When a girl says, "you're cool, but friends first," it generally means that she finds you interesting and enjoyable to be around. She acknowledges your positive qualities and may appreciate your friendship. However, she is not currently looking for a romantic relationship and wants to take things slowly, starting with a platonic friendship.
There could be various reasons for her saying this:
Getting to know you: She wants to spend more time with you to understand your personality, values, and interests before considering a romantic relationship.
Recent breakup or not ready for dating: She might have recently ended a previous relationship or is not emotionally ready to commit to a new romantic connection.
Not feeling a romantic spark yet: She might enjoy your company, but she hasn't developed romantic feelings for you yet.
Avoiding pressure: By suggesting friendship first, she may want to avoid any immediate pressure or expectations related to dating.
Testing compatibility: Some people prefer to build a strong foundation of friendship before moving into a romantic relationship to ensure compatibility and mutual understanding.
It's essential to respect her wishes and take things at her pace. If you are genuinely interested in her, being friends first can provide an opportunity to build trust, bond, and demonstrate your qualities without the pressure of a romantic relationship. However, it's also essential to be honest with yourself about your own feelings and boundaries. If you don't feel comfortable with just being friends and are looking for something more, it's okay to communicate that as well. Just remember to be respectful of her decision and feelings, regardless of the outcome.