Over a year ago a friend (22F) and I (23M) began texting daily, which led to no strings sexting and make out sessions. As time went on, things began to develop differently from other friends with benefits situations and we started to become really close and strong feelings eventually developed. Her last relationship ended horribly and her best friend started shitposting about her online, so her being a very guarded and private person probably is to prevent further heartbreak and hurt. Regardless we started dating, and although she was very slow to open up at the start, wanting me to do everything, she slowly started to become more comfortable and the sexual aspect took a backseat and we just prefered to be together and have deep convos, where she started letting me in and cuddle me and things really took off. Eventually our friends found out and kept talking about it. I personally didn't mind, however it annoyed her as she felt pressure to be official before she was ready and started pulling away and ghosting me around friends. The more she pulled the more i pushed and it got very toxic
We started talking, had a deep convo and a few weeks later she kissed me and we cuddled. We hang out a lot but she always pulls away when it seems like she starts investing. We talked and i got the vibe she likes me, but isn't sure enough to commit and said it was too forced and to step back, but wants to hang out and come over and watch movies. I got sick of her treating me like i dont exist around friends and like she doesn't care about me over text, and then i found out im the person she talks to, texts and hangs out with the most. Its not ego, as she has lots of male suitors and ignores them, but its not friendship because she doesn't treat me like everyone else, so whats going on? We get on great together, but its not what it was and feels very awkward. should i just take my step off and let her make an effort, Or is she scared of letting me in, and i should continue slowly?
