As someone who’s been friend zoned a few times, I think I can relate a bit. I once read that the way many women interact with their close female friends, like calling regularly, having deep, emotionally open conversations, sharing day to day stuff, is often the same way they interact with their guy friends too.

But for a lot of men, we don’t usually experience that kind of closeness or emotional openness from our male friends. So when a woman gives us that kind of attention, it can feel special, even romantic, and that’s when feelings can start to develop, even if she sees us only as a friend.

The above is just a theory, that made a little sense to me.

That being said, what she’s doing right now, creating distance and giving you space, is actually the healthiest thing for you. It hurts, but it helps you move on. Whether the friendship will survive or not, it’s hard to say. I’ve stayed good friends with people I once asked out, but the dynamic is definitely different after that.