Update: since it had been over a week since I reached out, and she had initiated the contact the last couple times. I tried calling her tonight, and sent her a text to lmk if she could talk.
She hasn’t answered yet, which tells me all I need to know.
I am now confident enough to consider the relationship over, and feel a sense of peace.
When she does reach out, which will happen eventually, I will listen to what she has to say, and unless her explanation clears literally every cobweb (unlikely), then I will compassionately break up with her (or let her break up with me... I do not want to break up out of spite or even care about ‘winning’, it’s clearly not working at this point).
One book I read that really helped my mindset is “What Women Want When They Test Men”, by Bruce Bryans.
It emphasizes the importance of having strong principles as a man, and putting those above any one woman. It also emphasizes concepts such as “leave the girl better when you found her”, lead the relationship, agree and amplify, strong boundaries, be okay with your vulnerabilities (but don’t unload them early in the relationship), don’t be afraid to make your needs clear, etc.
Essentially, I think rather than try a ‘strategy’ to get this one girl back, I should focus on being my strongest self, stand up for myself while treating her with compassion, and letting her come to me if she ultimately wants to put in the necessary investment.
My mindset before was focused on getting her back with a strategy. My mindset now is focused on being my best self, and empathizing rather than resenting.
I don’t want to worry about winning games anymore. If the girl I’m with plays them, I will first make sure that she’s not doing so out of insecurity that can be resolved with love, and if she won’t tell me why, then she is out.