Martian

You've hit the nail on the head there. Normally my advice isn't so far different from what Mantus is suggesting; I do not and will not advocate playing games. However, due to this girl's and your own relative inexperience, I'm suggesting a slightly different approach. It basically comes down to knowing what you want and going after it. If you're willing to do that, I'll give you all the pointers in the world on the approach to take.

I'm not infallible. Far from it. But I've had a fair bit of experience in the field so to speak, with a lot of failures and a fair number of successes to my name as well (including the big one, the girl who I will be marrying when the time is right). I will do my best to help out those who could benefit from the experience I've gained (and the mistakes I've made). I can't guarantee I won't steer you wrong, but ultimately it's up to you to take all of the advice offered and figure out what best suits your situation.

It's not a question of being well thought out so much as it is knowing how to give a girl what she wants. If I'm honest with you, I literally came up with that idea as I read your post. It's not a difficult thing to do and once you learn how to think this way you'll be more than capable of doing it on your own. If I'm reading the situation right, what she wants is to not be confused, so I'm doing my best to help you figure out how to give her that. As for the romance, you don't get anywhere by beating around the bush. You have to be direct if you want to woo her. Again, confidence is key.

We learn a lot more from failure than we do from success. And the TFP is all about helping each other, ultimately. Just be glad that it looks like she's giving you a second chance.

Re: the update, you did good. Deep conversation isn't something you should be looking for right now. She needs to feel comfortable with you again and tonight looks like it went a long way towards showing her that she can. Just be wary, now. You don't want to just be friends and you don't want her to think that's what you're after. It's hard to say without having been there but it sounds like you did a good job of making your intentions clear without being overbearing about it; good stuff.

Feel free to walk her home, like I said, but don't try to start anything. You do not want to put her on the spot. Remember, this is all new and very confusing to her and you need to let her figure things out on her own.

I don't really like the advice your friends gave you, because if you take the 'let's be friends' approach, that's all you'll be. Don't let the relationship aspect go by the wayside. And remember that you should never get too wrapped up in a girl that you can't consider not dating her. You don't want to set yourself up for heartbreak if it doesn't work out. Things are way too up in the air right now for you to commit. After that first kiss when you're sure she's yours, then you can go ahead and fall for her, but don't let yourself just yet.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame