You must be pretty good company for her to still want to do hikes and stuff. If she found you that companionable, probably a lot of others, male and female, would also. So at least you've got some decent personality, or she wouldn't bother at all. She just wasn't looking to get really intimate with you. She obviously finds you likeable. But busy women don't usually want to do a lot of hanging out with a likeable guy that they don't see as a potential partner. So best to move on. Value your own time as much as she values hers. When someone isn't reciprocating your special interest in them, turn your attention elsewhere.

Yes, there is someone out there who would like to make you their real priority. There is no shortage of young women who are unattached and wish they had someone to feel special with. Don't waste time dilly-dallying around when a woman signals she has only a limited interest in you. This woman gave you that signal very clearly. Who knows what available young ladies you might have met, if you were checking out the field during the time you were all focused on the one who got away?

More rejection may come your way. All that means is that you need to keep on moving. It's like being in sales. You are marketing yourself. Take an interest in any and every potential partner you can manage to meet. Circulate. You're naturally talkative, you say, so talk to lots of women . . . even the ones that might not seem that interesting at first glance. It's good practice. You're almost guaranteed eventual success, if you just keep at it and don't waste too much time going after what isn't available.

No one has any obligation to like you as much as you like them. But, if you're a decent guy, someone will sooner or later. You sound pretty decent to me. There are young women out there who feel exactly as you feel. Some have been through what you've just experienced - they liked a guy a lot who didn't like them that much back. Get to know more people. There's billions of them on the planet. Nevermind "settling." You don't have to. And put your wallet away. Don't try to solve other people's problems for them. Go out. Buy some drinks for ladies who'll chat with you. Make some dates. Invest some cash in some nice, enjoyable evenings. Don't listen to sob stories. Allow someone to like you for you and not for your open wallet. I believe you can do it. No self-pity. Just circulate . . . interact . . . take an interest . . . and offer yourself, not your financial help.