So....ive been outta the dating scene for 8 years for personal reasons. I'm 26, and recently I met a girl, I think it was October when we met. She's 23 and while just talking about random things in the begining she said she wasnt looking a relationship, and she didnt plan on having any soon. Which at the time, I was also in line with. Neither of us are ones to sleep around either and honestly I think that now just makes me like and respect this girl even more.
We've hung out a few times, mainly at work as we both works nights, just in different areas at our job. Outside of work, I've been to her place once, I invited her to meet my friends from outta state when they were visiting, and ive gone up to see her on my nights off and have lunch with her. Now, I'm actually autistic and was diagnosed with Asperges when I was 12/13 and dont read social clues very well.
I have noticed recently shes been hugging me around and the neck instead of around my waist and she'll press into it a little further. Me and her are always laughing when we hang out and she has commented on finding me very handsome, a cutie, good looking, etc. ive said that I think shes stunning/looks good/ head-turning etc., and also just friendly flirting at times and egging each other on. We goof off at her station from time and recently shes been a little extra giddy and actually one, braided my hair (i keep my hair about shoulder length) and she eas also touching my face, mainly to feel if I have split in my chin under my beard but then she started really rubbing all over my beard.
She's also recently saying she loves me, and I'll say it back but this girl is VERY affecfionate/bubbly to most her friends so I'm not sure if she means it platonically or romantically. I actually genuinely like this girl, i am also just content with being friends with her too, i think the world of her and if she has feelings for me id actually like to pursue and expand on them but I also dont wanna misread this as I am VERY prone to overthink and misread these type of things.
Typing this out makes me think im over thinking or possibly reading into too much, but I've also never been good with reading hints or anything most girls I've dated in the past pretty much just outright told me they like me. So, am I an idiot or should I just talk to her about it and see how she feels?
Edit: i know about not dating people from work but I also know some people actually are happy after meeting a partner because of work but 🤷♂️