Am I gameplaying or is this an acceptable approach to take?

[FreeTheWeatherfieldOne]

I had a truly fantastic first date 2 weeks ago (we're both women). She was super keen to arrange date 2 in the aftermath although did tell me she had a crazy busy period coming up with work/studies/travel (she's been borderline burnt-out). I sent some dates through and she said she would come back to me.

This past week has been her busy week so I've left her to it, just sending a message here and there to check in.

She's not come back to me about the dates and I'm feeling like there's been a perceptible cooling in her messages.
Last night we spoke briefly about her current exhaustion levels. I sent a nice message just telling her to give herself time to recover and rest and followed it up by telling her to get in touch if she fancies a second date.

I don't want to continue messaging/pestering someone who might not be interested. I feel like I've left the ball in her court and if she wants to see me again she'll get in touch. She knows I'd like to see her again.

Is this ok? Due to previous experiences I am very sensitive to perceived changes in enthusiasm and might have a slight tendency to shut down if I think someone has cooled on me. Self protection I think? (An ex ghosted me after 3 years).

Have I cut off my nose to spite my face?

I think it's a lot of emotional energy to put in to 1 date to be honest. I think you are right to leave it with her, if she wants another date let her be the one to suggest it.

I also think this is a bit much for 0ne date. A bit full on. The level of her communication is fine. You sound needy and self absorbed.

Oh ffs you don’t sound needy and self absorbed - you sound a bit over enthusiastic and that may be off putting so early on, especially if they’re not as keen on pursuing a second date as you are. Leave any future messaging up to her and if she doesn’t respond then get the message and walk away

You'll just have to leave it with her, it's been one date that coincided with a nutso period in her work and study life. She knows you're keen so if you keep reiterating the same thing you'll just become part of the list of demands on her time which will be off-putting and draining. If you don't, she may hopefully come back to you once she's can but don't give it much more thought. You'll build it up into more than it was. You've shown your interest, it's in her court now. If not then it's Just one of those things. Sometimes a good first date simply doesn't go anywhere does to the other party and we can't change that.