Kind of new to this community, but already discovered a lot of good advice on how to approach women and being more assertive. Keep up the good work guys!

Anyway, back to my original question. I'm in my mid 20's, been living in the US a few years, but when it comes to local girls I've always had mistaken a simple politeness or friendliness for a genuine attraction.

Every time when I thought that she was really into me, I would start flirting and stuff, which would make that girl tell: "Oh, I'm just looking for a friend" and a subsequently ghosting... Other times I feel like I missed my chance here and there by not asking her out.

How to find the balance?