How can you tell the difference between ultra friendly as opposed to interest?

[Wisecrack]

She'd always remain coy when I flirted with her over text messages but every now and then it would be like the wall came down and I got a reply that kept me hooked. I mean, we care about each other a lot - probably showed it more through our actions than words: bad communication. I'd asked her out before but got the usual excuses and left it in her court but she never got back to me even if her replies was as typical; always within 5 minutes of sending. At a mention of my being interested in another girl and she'd let any conversation die. As such I finally moved on. I don't message her much any more and when I bump into her, I may just smile and continue on my way. The face of her when she has all intentions of making me 'bump' into her and to have to make conversation only for me to dodge it and walk another way is priceless.

 

I'll admit but I care about her dearly, I want her so badly but I have not the heart for her to play games with me anymore. Ever since this has happened I have basically been getting one message or contact a day from her on top of her keeping herself in my life either by attending parties I go to or seeing me somewhere - not in the stalkerish way but the kind of 'oh, what a surprise I've bumped into you' kind of way. The other night she sent me a picture of her wearing an outfit I had suggested once but she had palmed off.

 

What do I do? I am not sure if I am willing to let my emotional walls down again (she had been the first after a pretty bad run of relationships and break ups and cheating) only for her to simply palm me away after she has made her 'catch' again.

[carhill]

Short answer to the title: You can't, not even with women who tell you they love you and provide evidence of physical or sexual interest. It's really unknown. Take that from someone who's seen the gamut, and been married. It's all nebulous. That's OK!

 

If you want to date her, ask her on a date. No need to 'let your walls' down to determine mutual interest in getting to know each other for romantic, versus platonic, intent. Where did I learn this from? Women! You can too. Try to analyze less and do more. Good luck!