Basically went on a date for the first time after lockdown/quarantine and I was a bit rusty. The date was alright I guess and I asked for a kiss (I know amateur mistake). I only did this because I wasn't feeling like my old self and I could tell I was getting the classic friendzone treatment and I wanted to break that pattern; anyway this is what happed next.

Girl responds to me asking for a kiss: Oh sorry no. Is this what you thought this was about. I only see you as a friend.

me: Ok that's cool.(didn't react at all)

her: you can do much better than me. (softly rejecting me now haha)

me: I know I can but that's not the point (cheekily said with a smile on my face and a slight laughter). I just like spending time with ya(said while not breaking eye contact with a casual smile).

her: what is that supposed to mean. (triggered)

me: Well I've hanged out with fair amount of women I find attractive; dare I say some might even be more attractive than you but I haven't always enjoyed the conversations like I do with you.(said one tonally to convey that am not bullshitting her which I wasn't)

her: Ok!!! I guess that's a nice thing to hear. (acting salty)

me: look let's forget what I just said and go back to mine to sober up and I'll get ya a taxi back from mine. (stirred the conversation away so I could take the lead and get her back to my place)

her: Ok why not but I can't be round too long.

me: That's fair enough.

She left in the morning that night haha. There you have it. I learnt a long time ago that reframing your reality is a big benefit while dating/pick up. It would of been easy to go along with and except what she was saying to me but I choose to flip it back on to her and things worked out so I hope this helps anyone that has been in the same situation.