Girls, Why does she ask how I am doing -- but if I ask her; doesn't reciprocate this answer, doesn't respond... or asks me another question entirely?

[Anonymous]

I have been messaging this friend for quite some time. (who is a girl). Our status -- we have only ever been friends; never discussed, hinted at, moved towards, or even "entertained" the idea of a relationship. Our conversation is usually just, "Hello, how are you?" (We tell each other about our day, and are very open and support each other when dealing with personal hardships) I am a very good friend to this girl and truly care about her a lot.

I have basically told myself it's better we remain friends. I feel this way out of fear of losing her, and don't assume anything. No idea whether she feels the same for me and if I am wrong would hate to compromise our friendship, make it awkward, or have it be completely ruined. Thus, I have decided on this idea, "Well she would never want to have a relationship with me." But -- these are my own thoughts & just my opinions. I feel she could be thinking something entirely different. I have always shown her a lot of care and respect, and she's reciprocated.

However, I cannot seem to understand this behavior: when she messages or I message her, she says she mentions she fears she will be alone forever (for personal reasons that happened to her, unrelated to me; of which I cannot discuss to respect her privacy)

Whenever she messages me *first* I always am very kind, and respectful, telling her honestly how I am doing. Then... I will usually follow this up by asking her, how she is doing. Yet for some reason... she doesn't tell me... or sometimes she will even ask me questions... instead of answering how she is doing. When she does this, I feel it's better to pause messaging her; not because I don't care but because I don't wanna pry, be pushy, seem needy, or be annoying.

What are the signs I am missing here? What is she trying to say to me? What is it she's hoping for?

[Blackcupcake]

ask her, why she does that, and she will have the right answer you're looking for instead of having people on here guess

[Asker]

Good idea :)

[Anonymous]

You know messaging is very annoying for some people. Try a different approach.

[Asker]

I respect your answer, but I am simply trying to be a supportive friend to her. Do you think it's because she is hoping I will do something for her, that requires taking action, not messaging her?

[Anonymous]

She may have friend zoned you permanently sorry 😬

[Asker]

Yeah, that's kind of what I am thinking -- and I mean I guess that's fine. I just wish i knew what exactly it was she was trying to say