The way people describe their feelings of attraction is disguised in semantics. This psychology of beating around the bush is part of the process. Learn to classify rejection for what it is. It is no use chasing after someone who rejected you, nor is it any use trying to convince them of your potential value to them. Your self esteem has nothing to do with how someone else sees you, keep it that way. You are an admirable person, you will find someone who sees that.