So bit of a longer read but I want to present all the facts so I can get the brutally honest feedback I need to tackle this.

Bit about myself:

  • I'm an educated guy, who's a business owner. I'm in great shape (approx. 10% body fat), who regularly gets compliments from women on my physique and comments from guys about my fitness regimen. I'm 36, was married once, lasted a year. Have been dating off and on, but matched with this girl on an app in Jan and hit it off. She was crazy about my looks but also went on about how I was a good person. She's going through a separation and initially mentioned that fwb may be enough. However we spent hours texting and talking and meeting up when we could.

We even took a trip together and things went great. No fights, put down, anything of the sort. I saw that she would withdraw now and then for fear or getting too close but still over time we said the I love yous etc. I used to meet her once a week, maybe twice. Her ex (she's still not divorced but hes been served) has the kid just one day and with work etc it's not easy to meet. Now I know someone motivated could meet more, but in my mind it's a lot for someone going through divorce, a potential job change and a house change.

She's very attractive. Goes to the gym regularly and has a lot of guys after her. She's a great mom (1 kid) and a sweet caring person at heart.

Now I did get jealous with her about a potential coworker (he had inappropriately texted her once) being a bit too close for comfort and once told her off for going for drinks alone with him midday. She apologized for it and said she just saw it as drinks and it wouldn't happen again. Things were great between us with some usual minor issues but no arguments. Then her son got sick and 24 hours later she messages that she doesn't think she can give anytime to a relationship and wants to be just friends.

I spiralled pretty badly and since then I've had major anxiety affecting my work, gym, sleeping, eating everything. I just didn't see it coming because I had treated her so well. She felt I was suffocating her (I see her once a week) and I had brought her some expensive bday gifts (which she felt was too much, but I always buy nice things for people I care about).

I hate playing games and since then I've been upfront with her about how I felt and that I'd never take away time from the child. But her entire attitude has changed. No I love yours or kiss emojis. We've kissed 2wice since then while chatting (she made the move once and once I did) but they lasted for no time and she pulled away. She says she wants someone like me or me but no one now. I was supposed to travel again with her and also go to a wedding but she went alone with her son to the wedding and now it looks like no trip with her is possible. I love her son and her a lot and it's killing me to be rejected like this. Other women are throwing themselves at me but I want just her. I really imagine a future together with her and her son. I'm a good guy who treats women well without being a pushover and I hate playing games. I've always left women in the past and never been in this positon myself. I've really let this consume me and I want to see how I can get myself out of this. Really need an unbiased opinion on next steps. I try not to text her for hours and some times days but I always find myself checking out my phone for her. We've started chatting a lot but she passes comments like she feels were just friends (despite the kisses). She goes hot to cold (recently said we should've taken more pics on the trip together and commented on one of my progress pics that I looked great. Also asked me out on a trip to this fair with her son and her). Her friends told me to just give her space but my ego and heart are hurt.

Please help!