good start, major misunderstanding, all resolved, but she has new interest.....? what to do?

[Fourfiftysel]

I recently met up with a friend in a circle I know a few years, and we got to know eachother a little better and shared a kiss and cuddle, but neither of us jumped ahead sexually. There was a good connection. In the next few days, we texted and chatted a bit, but then things went kinda cold fast. We met recently again in a social setting, but the vibe was really different from her and she sometimes avoided me and was sometimes rude.

I was upset, I thought a lot on it as I really liked her, and I thought she had liked me, so I wrote her a few lines telling her how I was attracted to her initially, how I enjoyed the cuddles, and I didnt understand what went wrong. She texted back that she understood I was only interested in a ONS, she had moved on and now had feelings for someone else. I was surprised at her ONS perception, so we talked on the phone, and it turns out something I said the first weekend, about being happy "to go this far and no more" (I cant remember the exact words), she took up as "just want something for this weekend" , whereas I meant that I was happy to have the intimacy and simplicity of cuddling without leading to sex and possible ruining a friendship or making things awkward. It seems we were both very happy about the clarification, and we both believed eachother. We also mentioned how we want partners, not casual relationships, and we discussed the awkwardness we both felt in the intervening communications we had, all from this misunderstanding. We were both friendly and relieved with the call.

I was very happy after the chat, and thought there might yet be a possibility.. but the ominous lines of her having "feelings for another" now looms in my head a. I feel I should respect her having feelings for another, remain friends, and move on from the romantic side, but part of me feels so angry with myself for such an innocent communication error leading to such a major misunderstanding where she thought I only wanted a ONS.

I'm not sure whether to hold out hope, or to continue dating other women. (Dammit, even writing that last line, i think i should know what to do😐) Opinions and thoughts welcome, thanks.

What is ONS please? No clue

ONS = One night stand

Ohhh silly me 🙈
I hate to say it OP but she said she's got feelings for someone else so I'd probably leave it be if I was in your shoes.
It's horrible when you really like someone and it doesn't work out. You never know what the future holds but right now I'd look into dating other women.

You've clarified the misunderstanding, which is good. She now knows that you are open to something more. I would leave it in her court, being as she said she has feelings for someone else.

She might end up in a relationship with that someone else, she might not. They might date for a while and break up. You and she might find yourselves single at the same time at some point in the future, and it could work out. It might not.

For now, I think you should be happy that you've sorted out the misunderstanding but don't expect anything more. Don't wait around for her. Live your life.

Sorry you’re in this position, OP. Romantic disappointment really hurts.

It does sound as if you let the opportunity slip through your fingers, though. If you wanted more, why didn’t you follow up at the time? You say you chatted for a bit then things got cold. Why did you let them go cold if you wanted more? If you had acted at the time the misunderstanding would have been cleared up but it sounds like your actions (or lack of action) confirmed what she thought you had said.

We all make painful mistakes, OP. The key is to learn from this. You don’t need to rush but next time you like someone, don’t leave it so long that they have time to get interested in someone else.

Thank you all, I agree with you. Somehow in trying not to appear over eager, things got lost. I think that despite my regret, I have to accept this one didnt work out and try not to beat myself up too much. I appreciate you all taking the time to respond, and help me on my path to move forward.