Should you wait or move on when she needs time to figure things out

This isn't ambiguity. It's a delay. The gap between 'no' and 'maybe later' feels different, so your brain treats it like there's real hope. There usually isn't much.

Sometimes she's actually dealing with stuff. Work, family, recent breakup, mental health. Sometimes she's just not into you but doesn't want to be cruel. Either way, your job is not to interpret which one it is. Your job is to let her have the space she asked for and watch if she actually comes back to it. The people who come back do it without you prompting them. If she needs to be reminded you exist, that's the answer.

First, it shows you listened. You're not arguing or pushing back or trying to convince her otherwise. You're acknowledging the boundary she set. Second, it removes the pressure. You're not putting a clock on it or asking for details. You're making it easy for her to have that space without guilt. Third, it positions you as someone who has self-respect. You're not sitting around waiting. You're okay either way. That last part is the hardest because you probably aren't okay either way yet. Fake it anyway. The goal is a message that closes the door on negotiation while keeping it open for her to come back if she wants to.

After you reply, you don't send anything else. No followup texts. No 'just checking in.' No memes or links. Nothing. If she comes back, it'll be unprompted and it'll happen within two to three weeks. After that, the window gets smaller. People who want to reconnect usually do it while they're still thinking about you.

If she goes silent and stays silent, that's your answer. If she texts you casual stuff like nothing happened, she's friendzoning you and you need to decide if that's worth your time. If she reaches back out with actual interest and an explanation, you have something real to work with. Don't wait longer than three weeks expecting a text. Make a call about what you want and act on it.