"Unencumbered"? It's really on them if they feel encumbered. That's just a state of mind. I prefer to not get involved with those who feel so easily encumbered. It's only a burden if you make it that way. It's only a big deal, if you make it that way.
Labels are irrelevant. Getting tired of that platitude. Even that in unto itself is also a "label". Interesting, how even Christians think that the "D" word is a bad thing.
If someone cannot hang out with someone, one-on-one, I dunno, there's just something up there. I've "hung out" with plenty of women one-on-one and had a blast. But this fear of them somehow that one-on-one is more of a "date" thing than they would like. I dunno. Just call me old-fashioned. I'm a bit more direct. More black-and-white.
Not sure how people get it in their head that one-on-one vs. group outings. In my experience, it's kind of wishy-washy. I know some women the prefer the direct "Ask me out" approach. I actually invited a woman out to a group event, only because I would be in her area...she told me it would be kind of weird if it were not one-on-one...and I said, "You know something, you're right" and switched it up to my style of dating. I think I had this thought of the whole "don't have expectations" thing...trying to make a woman comfortable...but, I was going against my principles.
But...who am I to judge someone's dating-style...as it's really
ALL about that. So on top of seeing if you're compatible, there's the other hurdle of trying to figure out if your
dating styles align I suppose.
If I refuse to hang out with her, in a group setting. The buck stops there, and not even a first date occurs.
It make work for some people, not for others. Some people have their own style of dating. I'm too old to really have said woman dangle a carrot in front of me and remain forever in the friend zone. To get the, "You're great guy, but...I just don't see you in that way".
Women tend to be turned off by a guy that hangs out with a woman as a friend under the guise of him wanting more.
Interested people act interested. From what I'm reading from this woman, she's not interested.
That's a matter of opinion. But you're entitled to it.