nroug7,
the whole leading you on thing is common with women because of their ego and their strong need to feel desired. Add to that manipulating men, and it becomes a power trip to them.
It seems as if they feel its justified, considering the past abuse by men they've received, or the feeling of oppression by men, etc etc...
So leading men on , pretending to be attracted to them, pretending they find the men attractive, and manipulating affection and emotional investment is like a drug to these females.
Youre right, they are most certainly not worthy of any kind of relationship.
Certainly no LTR commitment. Ever.
Being friends is no option. There is no logic in that either.
If the woman has no real desire for a man, there no need for the man to pursue her or try to give her 'things' other than himself to please her, or get something our of her.
Unfortunately, women can mislead and fake IOI's. And that's one of the things that men dislike so much about the whole Courting rituals that we have to go through to be partnered with a woman.
The fact that, yes, it can all be a lie. She's just getting off watching you jump her hoops, nothing more.
An important take away is that being fooled by her is nothing for anyone to shame one for. Its why so many men are so cautious before moving further in the relationship, and taking the next step.
We don't want a female like that in our most vulnerable space, an intimate relationship, where we don't have to wear our Armor to protect us from the woman we Love.
So, even if we've been fooled, that doesn't mean we're not worthy of Love and affection, and a good romantic partner.
Don't let this affect your self esteem. Instead recognize the low character of the female and move on.