So here's the thing. I met this girl about 6 months ago, and we became really good friends about 3-4 months ago. She's beautiful and everything but I didn't like her in any other way until* I actually "met" her and she opened up to me, we basically became best friends. I slowly fell for this girl once I got to know her. A few months ago I told her how I felt and she said that she really liked me but she didn't want to be in a relationship (she had a few bad relationships before and she didn't want to be involved with anyone, especially with someone that takes class with her because if it doesn't work out she doesn't want drama or weirdness going on around her).

A few weeks ago she sent me the following message:

"I've been thinking about everything that has been going on between us. I know you understand that I don't want to be in a relationship with anybody right now. For these past couple of weeks we have spent more and more time together and I understand that you are falling in love with me. Your friendship is very important to me and I don't want to mess it up. I honestly believe that if we get involved in another way we are going to end up messing up our friendship. I have told you before that I don't want drama or weirdness around me. I don't want to promise you anything about being with you in the future or that you should wait for me. I think you should keep your expectations open. That whatever has to happen happens with whoever. I don't want you to focus on me because I can't promise you or offer you anything. The only thing I can offer is my friendship. I want to see you happy because you deserve it. I want you to know that I like you, appreciate you, and care about you a lot. The least I want to do is hurt you and that is why I'm telling you this now. I'm sorry and I hope we can still be friends."

After she sent me the message I talked to her, and we're closer now than we were before. I really like this girl, but I don't know what to do. I understand what she has gone through and that she wants time for herself (not going into details because it's personal). Should I be patient and wait, be there for her no matter what, show her I care, or should I try to ditch my feelings aside?

Should I give up on her (my feelings)?

Why can't you take her at her word and just be friends, and does being friends mean you have to spend all your time with her exclusively? Of course not. Be a friend but don't neglect the rest of your life, that would be crazy.

If you can't just be a friend, then be honest about it, and don't pretend you can.

If you do love her, then try extending your patience a little more but that doesn't that you have to be there for her all the time. Give yourself time to enjoy. Go out with your friends. If he needs you then be there for her as a friend. Make her also MISS you.