Something for nothing, nope. If you want to just be a genuine dude and empathize with her, expect nothing and do it for yourself. That is your reward, but sex may still be a possibility. I've got several women, from way back in the past, that will still turn to me after being in long relationships, because I keep it real with them and tell them what they don't want to hear. They've got a million girlfriends and chump dudes that will tell them exactly what they want to hear.
Don't be another one and coddle her ego. This is key to maintaining her respect of you and leaving the lane open for sex later. Keep sex in your back pocket and lead, from the front, even if it means blowing out the possibility of sex completely, by telling her the chit she doesn't want to hear. Relationship faults are NEVER one sided, so there will be plenty of opportunity to emphasize her mistakes, as well as emphathize with her. It's just the reality of the situation.
"Break her down, to build her up". I'm not saying bash her and be a d!ck, nor go digging for her faults. You are there to listen first. Normally, they will have been beaten down verbally, insecure and want to be reassured they are still found attractive.
Again, there are a million other dudes out there, that will do this at the drop of a hat for nothing in return. The man that prevails, is the one who isn't afraid to lead. Worst case scenario, you have lived aligned with your principles, been as good of a friend as you possibly could, while attempting to lead and have kept it genuine in the process. There's a whole slew of emotions here at play, as well as the opportunity to create positive ones.
Ranger Mike's plans of progression are good and I realize they are goal specific, but ime a man can be more diverse and you should take the opportunity to sharpen your teeth and be all of those things to her. Be her daddy, be her whole family.
"I'll be your daddy, I'll be your whole family." -Sir Too Short
