She said "let's just be friends" — what now?
Verdict first
Accept it gracefully and step back. Not as a strategy — because pretending to be just a friend while hoping for more is a trap for you, not her.
How to reply
Calm and short. No arguing, no listing reasons she's wrong:
I appreciate you being honest. I'm going to take some space, but no hard feelings
Got it. Thanks for telling me straight
Why staying friends hurts
If you wanted more, "friends" means waiting by the door. You'll read signals into everything she does and miss the women who are actually into you.
Is there a way back?
Sometimes — if you genuinely move on and live a full life, not as a tactic. Attraction comes from who you are, not from how available you stay.
Verdict