I kinda understand where the whole “I rather watch from afar then ruin a friendship” comes from, especially if that person is awesome to hangout with and is inspiring to be around. Judging a person too harshly for it by saying “you a coward lol” is a bit mean. The fact that they are adults even adds to this dilemma because she doesn’t want to come off as a creep, I’m rooting for her honestly.