TinyChan

self-sabotage?

consider this: you could have been completely open with her that you would consider her a good partner in theory AND still be very clear that you respectfully aren't looking for a relationship with her because you know that's not what she's looking for right now. Don't degrade yourself as a romantic and sexual being just to protect her. Be yourself AND be stable and trustworthy. If you end up falling in love with her anyways well gg, though you said you were fighting against that.

a man and a woman can say they would like this and this and this in an ideal partner and acknowledge that the other part checks those boxes and STILL choose to keep the relationship platonic because a romantic relationship simply wouldn't make sense at that time for whatever reason. Should the situation change and a romantic relationship would seem to make sense then they can make the decision to start dating and see if romantic feelings develop because it just makes sense.

this is the real long game and you were not playing it. You sacked half your pieces because you're afraid that she'll stop playing with you. Then you told her to go play with someone else.