Fuel For Thought

Should A Woman Ever Ask A Man Out For A Date?

Sometimes a woman will see a man that she's interested in and wants to explore the possibilities of dating him. But the problem is that she's afraid that he won't notice her or ask her out.

While she tries her best to make herself available to the man, she still gets the feeling that he's either too shy or not interested enough in dating her. Since she finds him interesting, which is half of the love equation, it brings up the decision on her behalf of whether to ask him out instead of waiting around for him to make that first move.

Here are some quick thoughts that may make this decision a little easier.

Most men will be overjoyed and relieved if more women would ask out men. If a man finds the woman attractive, then he will mostly likely say "yes." Most men will see this as a compliment and an ego stroke as well.

Give him the first chance. Make it easier for the guy to ask you out successfully. If this doesn't succeed in getting the result you desire, then think about asking him out instead. Realize that most confident men will usually make the first move, but almost every man will welcome a woman they are interested.

He has to show some signs of romantic interest. Gauge the romantic interest accurately (what others say who know both of you). As a guy, it is interesting to be in this role-reversal because he gets to see what it's like to turn down or accept a date from someone they don't have the "hots" for.

Make it a low-pressure date. Don't make too big a deal about it and make the date less date-like. It may even be better to do the "hanging out" level of dating the first time.

Or maybe just invite him to do a group activity where he can be your friendly escort for the evening. You'll have plenty of time on this "date" to see if he has any real romantic interest in you.

Only ask him out once. During the "date" create the connection in either a friendly or romantic way. After that it's up to him particularly if you able to lower his guard and get him comfortable but excited about you.

He may not ask you out because he thinks you're already involved with someone else. You can ask a guy out if he's either too shy or thinks that you're already involved with someone else. A guy may have interest in you, but if it's been some time since you've seen each other, he may not be aware of your current dating availability.

The bottom line. Realize that many chances are lost forever because people are afraid of taking the initial chance with someone they are attracted to. With the proper attitude and subtleness, a sensitive woman can be more assertive and open up some romantic doors for herself.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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