While I'll generally agree with this sentiment, I've seen a lot of people spend time being friends and hoping the girl will change her mind about a relationship one day. She's already said she doesn't want to be more than that so to act like a friend wanting more wouldn't be fair

My take:

Mike give the girl a break.
If she is excited on the Xbox and enjoy playing, then maybe that's just it.
Shy? maybe cautious.She plays xbox remember? Far from passive.


Guarded?

When a girl teases and laugh while playing video games with you or hanging out with you,
it means she feel safe and NOT expecting anything from you.Buddies.
The word is platonic.


But when the girl is guarded and sensitive after you drop hints on her that you like her more than a friend-
It means for me:
She does not want to get hurt.
It means you can actually hurt her.
It means that your comment can affect her.
It means that she is watching and gauging you of your effort.

Now this would depend on your feelings on the girl.
If you are good with her being friends, drop the flirting and move on.

If you are not contented with being friends.
Stop being a friend and court her properly.
1. Check her fb, comment on her pictures with her friends, comment on her pictures with her family.
2. Tell her directly you dont want friendship.

Those 2 things will honestly make her open up.That is a 90% guarantee on females who plays video games and Xbox.
Chances are if she values your friendship and see u as that, she will tell you to stop.

But if she is guarded? And you will be direct and clear with your intentions, then maybe that is the only time she will reciprocate and be upfront with you too.

The most important thing Mike is to make sure first of your feelings for the girl.
Then do 1 & 2.

This. Thread over./