I just wanted to verify the other comments in this thread as a woman. I’ve known men who do this too, but in a slightly different way.

Sometimes I’ll subconsciously do this with people when I’m missing someone I actually liked but couldn’t have. I don’t do it anymore since I realized it’s called “leading someone on” and it sucks to have it done to you.

I agree that if women are attracted (or men), they’ll usually move it along pretty quickly. If they pull away and play push-pull, you probably just are a substitute for the person they’re longing for. Please guard your heart and figure out why you’re energetically attracting this sort of thing- that’s what I’m working on now so I can end the cycle.

And yes, people are gross, whether she just wants attention or is cheering... but again, if you work on why you’re attracting these kinds of scum bags, you can cut ties and move on to people who really like you/are emotionally available.