It’s always a little nerve-racking to ask someone out on a date. But you shouldn’t let the fear of rejection prevent you from going for what you want.
Be direct and make sure your words are clear enough. Don’t stammer or be too cocky; it may sound rude and could even piss them off.
Be direct
When it comes to inviting someone on a date, nobody benefits from beating around the bush. In fact, it can make them feel anxious and unsure about meeting you for the first time in a while.
To help you avoid this, be direct when inviting people out on dates and never leave them with a voicemail or note. This will show them that you respect their time and their feelings.
Another way to be direct when asking someone out on a date is to suggest an activity that you know they’ll like. This will show them that you’re serious about dating and not just flirting for fun.
This also helps save you a lot of trouble if they say no. It’s less stressful for both of you, and it also shows that you know what you’re doing when it comes to inviting them out on a date. You can then follow up with other dates that focus around this activity instead of trying to find something to do that will keep the conversation going.
If you’re really feeling confident about asking someone out, go for a coffee date that lasts no more than an hour or two. This makes it easier to get through your first date without getting too uncomfortable, but will still allow you to get to know the other person a little better before making any significant commitments.
Don’t beat around the bush
When inviting someone on a date, it is always better to be direct. Vague talk is often a big turn-off and leaves room for misunderstandings later on.
If you are planning a date, it is also a good idea to make sure that the location is comfortable for the person you are asking. For example, if they are working in a conference room or office, you may want to avoid approaching them there.
Likewise, it is a good idea to be careful with the place you ask them to dinner or drinks. If you approach them in a public area or when they are distracted by other people, they may feel uncomfortable and decline your offer.
Don’t make it a big deal
If you have anxiety around social situations, making it a big deal when inviting someone on a date could worsen your anxiety. You can try to make it a less stressful experience for yourself and your date by being direct when you ask them out.
Usually, the best time to ask someone out is when you have a good conversation with them or when they seem to be in a good mood. This way, they know you are not trying to put them off and will be more likely to say yes.
You can also ask them about their interests and suggest activities you both enjoy doing together. This can be a great way to get to know them better and decide what you would like to do on your next date.
Taking the time to make a plan before asking them out can also help you avoid feeling uncomfortable. This is especially true if you are having a bad day or if you feel under pressure.
Don’t pressure them
It can be nerve-wracking to ask someone out, even if you are confident. It’s especially scary if you are asking in front of a group or even a mutual friend.
You can make the situation less threatening by saying something like, “We should hang out sometime” instead of asking directly if they are available to do so. This phrasing is a little less direct, but it still clearly communicates that you are romantically interested.
In the end, however, it’s best to not pressure them on a date because you never know how they will react. They may politely brush you off or they might have a busy time in their life and simply don’t have the time to hang out.
If you are having trouble finding the right way to ask a person out, you can try giving them a heads-up text or email. This will help them know that you are trying to contact them and increase the chances they pick up on the message.