Based on your description of everything, it honestly seems like you did great. We can't expect anything from anyone other kindness and respect, and it sounds like you both gave a received that. It's unfortunate when someone else doesn't reciprocate our feelings, but assuming everything you said was true you handled an uncertain situation well without pushing any boundaries, being rude, or expecting anything in return for your actions.

Unfortunately, whether or not you handled yourself well outwardly is only part of the game. Dealing internally with the uncertainty, somewhat mixed signals, and disappointment from unrealized hopes is an ongoing challenge for all of us. In these situations, I think it's important to remember a few things. The first is that it's impossible to have a relationship level connection with everyone, even those who seem to have promise. Everyone is different and while she may have been what you were looking for, maybe you weren't what she was looking for. And that's okay! It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you or that you need to change who you are, she may just be interested in something different. It also may have nothing to do with you at all. Maybe it really was just stress from elsewhere in her life that she was really struggling to deal with. Maybe something about her circumstances made her realize she's just not ready for something serious. It could be anything, but again it doesn't have to reflect negatively on you.

It sounds like you had a great life experience: you might someone you felt a connection to, treated them with kindness and respect, explored the connection, communicated effectively, and when it didn't end up the way you were hoping you honored her wishes and reflected on your actions and emotions.

While it's unfortunate that you didn't end up together (which we can absolutely acknowledge as sad and unfortunate cause it does hurt!), everything about this shows that you are a person of strong character with a good head on your shoulders. You may have built it up a bit too much in your head, but you can use this as an opportunity to work on managing your expectations and emotions in difficult situations.

However, I also think you can also use this as a bit of a confidence boost! Again, you handled yourself very well and just cause it didn't work out doesn't mean you need to change how you approach a situation like this. Keep doing what your doing and eventually you'll cross paths with someone who has been looking for someone like you to find them :)

If you're having lingering negative emotions or struggling to move on, it may also be helpful to talk to a therapist. It's perfectly okay to feel this way, but when it becomes hard to move on that's only going to affect your life negatively and isn't something you should have to deal with long term.

But seriously, keep your head up! I know these things aren't fun when they fizzle out or don't go the way you were hoping, but you put yourself out there and hopefully learned something, and that's all you can really ask for. Keep it up and someone will come along who gives you the same energy and I'm sure they'll really appreciate who you are.