Second thing, and this may just be projection, but bear with me. Is it possible that she doesn’t feel the exact way you do? And maybe with her being broken down and vulnerable, she leans on you more for support, she seeks solace and comfort in you, and sees you as a potential mate, but once she’s out dating again, that bond you have falters slightly?

I cannot read her mind, but I do not get that sense. We connect very deeply, but to be honest I don't think she's ever been treated with respect, pride, and care. Does she lean on me because she is down? Maybe. Will that bond falter if she finds something better? I hope not. That part scares me. I want her to be able to choose me because of who I am rather than circumstances, and I know she wants the same of me. She wants to be sure what we have is real and not just because she is hurting. And she wants to be sure what I feel for her isn't a "finally she is available" moment. But it does scare me to think about her falling for someone else. We have so much feelings for each other, and for so long, that now we're both here it's scary for me to think she is out with other men. And I am sure she feels the same when I am out. But can I do, you know? Hold her back? Tell her don't date or I'm not her friend anymore?Keep pressuring her? That would be so so wrong of me.