New here? Register in under one minute   Already a member? Login244973 questions, 1084332 answers  

  DearCupid.ORG relationship advice
  Got a relationship, dating, love or sex question? Ask for help!Search
 New Questions Answers . Most Discussed Viewed . Unanswered . Followups . Forums . Top agony aunts . About Us .  Articles  . Sitemap

Were you nervous about asking your partners on your first date? How did you do it?

Tagged as: Dating<< Previous question   Next question >>
Question - (23 June 2008) 41 Answers - (Newest, 16 September 2008)
A male United Kingdom age 41-50, *ommy2k7 writes:

I like this waitress in my local pub that I want to ask out, but I'm nervous about it? I was just wondering whether readers were nervous about asking their partners out, and what they think I should do? (sounds obvious, but I'd still like opinions!)

<-- Rate this Question

Reply to this Question


Share

Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question!

A reader, anonymous, writes (16 September 2008):

Give it a rest now Tommy, Please.

Until you gain that confidence, you've got no hope.

I'm sorry, but how much more advice can we give you man?

She could be a lesbian for all you know and you've wasted your time for nothing.

Move on....I know we'd like to.

<-- Rate this answer

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (16 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntThere was something wrong with my email yesterday, wasn't getting answer notifications!

I wonder why she said she wasn't looking for a relationship then?

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (15 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntok, my last 2 answers were refected for some reason.

I summoned up the courage to buy her a coffee this morning in the same cafe as I go to sometimes in Sevenoaks, and she agreed to, then she's coming to join me for a drink at The Bull soon!

[Mod: One of those answers was a duplicate]

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (15 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntI've just been to Sevenoaks and came home and read your reply, which oft of didn't make sense that much after what I did (finally).

I went in the cafe that I normally go in and she was in there. (I'd seen her in there once before) After about 10 minutes, I bit the bullet and went over to her and asked if I could buy her the coffee she was getting, and she actually came over, and we actually talked. I finally took your advice, and asked her if the things you mentioned, how long has she been here, does she miss it over there, what interests we had. I was quite surprised I did it! At the end, she just simply said 'I'll see you soon in the pub'

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (15 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntThank you for your input.

However, I do have some good news. I actually did manage to talk to her a bit at the weekend, but not that much because they were busy (just Hi Sarara how are you!) Then yesterday, one of my friends (she was a female) went in for lunch and managed to ask her whether she's got a boyfriend. As she is extremely pretty, I thought she'd say yes, but she said no, but then she said she's not looking for a relationship. Firstly, I felt disappointed, then realised I can do two things:

1) Leave it

or

2) Befriend her, with no pressure, then gradually work up to being more than friends.

When a woman says that, is it because she's not looking for one really, or will have one maybe if the right person comes along.

The thing is, and this might sound strange as I'm 29, I'm not sure if I want a relationship either, so how do I go about befriending her? After all, it's better to be friends first!

I don't want to put pressure on her, but I think you guys know what I want the end result to be! (now I'm making it sound like a competition!)

So what do you think?

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (12 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntI could, but I don't have a lot of female friends!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (12 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntI like your idea but The Bull is more of a restaurant than a pub, you can just go in for a drink, but she's more taking orders than behind the bar

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, Yos Netherlands +, writes (12 September 2008):

Yos agony auntOk, you gotta do this! Before this thread melts down ;)

I have a suggestion:

Arrange to meet a friend there. Arrange it for a time she's likely to be there, but that's not too busy. But go 30 minutes early. Sit at the bar and order a drink. Drink it at the bar. Send a text message to someone. Or two.

Then smile at her. If she's not to busy, and she's behind the bar, there is every reason for you two to have a conversation. If she's just hanging around just start up a conversation (yes I know that's the hard bit...). Just something innocuous and topical. Basically you're just sitting around waiting for your (late) friend, and she's got the benefit of your company for a while.

Don't say to yourself you're going to ask her out. You're not. The aim is to get on good speaking terms with her. Try to turn the conversation to her, find out where she's from, how long she's been in the UK, why she came etc. Show interest. Just have a normal friendly conversation. Try to be as calm and relaxed as you can.

Then when your friend shows, just go sit down with them. If they notice you've been there a while, make some comment about them being late, or you getting the time wrong: "oh i thought we said 7.30" or whatever.

When you're with your friend, smile at her if you get the chance.

Then leave. No asking out on a date. If it goes well, this should break the ice, meaning whenever you are there you can talk to her. That should give you plenty of opportunities to ask her out on a date.

And if the architecture of the place won't allow this then, well, you gotta try something else.

Good luck.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, anonymous, writes (12 September 2008):

Tommy, ask her out already. She'll be an old lady with grandchildren at the rate your going. Either she says yes or no. You're going to survive either answer, so go in there and ask her out. You've had loads of advice on how to do it, so what are you waiting for? No, don't answer that. Don't come back and post here until you've actually tried to ask her out!

Dude, you're life is wasting away and your getting older and wrinklier and your hormones are slowly diminishing. Its been almost 3 months and you're still sitting there? Now is the time to carpe diem!

Come back after you ask her out and tell us what you said and what she said. You can cry on our shoulders if she said no, or you can ask us where to take her if she said yes. But you're just wasting your time and ours if you can't take the advice you've been given.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (12 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntI espect she has got a boyfriend; I suppose I should be optimistic though!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (12 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntapparently, she's lived in the UK since she was 8, and my mate's mate told me she thinks she has got a boyfriend, but she doesn't know

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (12 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntI went for a meal last night, I was all psyched up ready, but she wasn't there! :-(

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (10 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntChristian (Virgin Radio breakfast) rang up the breakfast host of a radio station in Croatia this morning - yes, because of the footie tonight - but is he subconsciously trying to tell me something?!!!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (4 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntEvery time I see her, she looks more gorgeous than the time before, so I've got to ask her out!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A reader, anonymous, writes (3 September 2008):

Tommy, there are risks in life, if you ask her out, you do risk her telling you no. But if you don't ask her out, you risk allways wondering if she would have said yes. While you sit and watch, people all arround you are falling in love. Don't you want to fall in love and have a girlfriend who loves you back. Be brave, find a way to tell her you think she's nice, otherwise you will be alone for the rest of your days, and I don't want a future like that for you.

Give it to her or someone else, that's a very good question. If you give it to someone else, it will be more romantic to her and she will know your shy, then if she's not interested she dosent' have to give a response and then you will know your wasting your time. If you give it to her, then she can know it's you and won't have to worry that she didn't recieve it. It really dosen't matter, all you really have to do is find a way to tell this girl you like her, and then the rest is up to her. If you don't tell her, how will she know... Good luck, be brave, life and happiness waits for no woman or man. Make your own destiny......

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (2 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntThat could work, but if it doesn't, I've scuppered my chances, haven't I? And if I do do that, do I give it to her directly, or another member of staff?

Thankyou for the suggestion

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A reader, anonymous, writes (1 September 2008):

Hey Tommy,

How about writing Sarara a little note before you go into the bar. If your too scared to approach her, then maybe this might work. The note should say something like.....

"Hi Miss Wonderfull, you light up my day when I see you, your in my dreams and your in my heart. I mean no offence,

but I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you are."

Then when you next time you see her, give her a big smile, give her the note, and then the next move will be her's... No need to talk at all....

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (1 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntWhile my mate was at the bar getting a drink, she came over to the room I was in to clean the tables. We were the only ones in there, but once again it was nerves!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A reader, anonymous, writes (1 September 2008):

Oh, and then don't just sit or stand there with your mouth open and eyes glazed when she says something in return.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A reader, anonymous, writes (1 September 2008):

Hey dude, I used to be very shy. It took a lot of courage to ask a woman out. This was after my divorce from my first wife. I finally asked someone out who I knew. She turned me down because she already had a boyfriend, but she was very nice and thanked me and said that she was flattered. That made me feel good.

A couple of weeks later I asked another woman out. I had talked to her a little. She also turned me down ffor the same reason as the first. She was very nice to me also.

A couple of weeks later I asked another woman out who I knew, but hadn't talked to much. She turned me down, but wasn't as nice as the first 2. No excuses, just no. Since she didn't say she had a boyfriend, I asked her out again. Again she said no. sometime later we were a group of people and I started to talk to her and she started to think that I wasn't too bad of a guy. Later that night, I asked out again and she said yes. We had a date and had a lot of fun - nothing more than a kiss at the end of the night. She also had a boyfriend, but I didn't know until that night. She broke up with him the next night and we have been together for 29 years now.

A couple of weeks later the second one who turned me down asked me out. I assume that she had broken up with her boyfriend or figured out that if that one woman would go out with me that maybe it was worth the risk.

The reason that the 3rd woman turned me down twice was because I was so shy that she thought that I was condeited. I would look the other way when she sould speak to me or just mumble a Hi.

Hey, it's hard when you're shy and afraid to even start a discussion or ask for a date. You are afraid of rejection. You are afraid to say the wrong thing. You know what, it gets easier the next time, even if you get rejected. It got easier for me, even though I was rejected 4 times before I got a date. Even talking to someone the first time was stressful, but it got a lot easier after a couple of times.

You have been stressing over this for over 2 months now. Just start to talk about anything. You might say the wrong thing, but everybody does that at times. We all fail at times and we always learn from those failures. It's like riding a bicycle. You don't quit because you fell off in the first 2 feet the first time. You learned a little bit and got better. Hey, Lance Armstrong probably fell off the first time when he was a little kid.

Take the advice of Susan, Shawn, Collaroy and others. OK, Susan is mean. ;) HE-HE "Blubbering idiots are cute." Yeah, my wife discovered that the shy guys are the nicest. And that's not just from her knowing me. Some women say to stay away from the shy guys. Others look for them, knowing that they are normally very caring and fun when they get to know them and get over their shyness.

I don't know what to say, as the others have said it all. Just think of something to say, get up the courage, try not to be afraid of making a mistake or being a "blubbering idiot" and say something besides scampi and chips. Hey, she smiled at you, maybe she is waiting for you to do something. She could have just looked the other way. Let's say that it is a slow night at the bar one night. You could say, "Slow night, isn't it. I hope I'm not chasing everybody out." or simply, "Where is everybody tonight?" A slow night would be good, as she will have some extra time to talk. JUST SAY SOMETHING.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (1 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntIt'll sound a bit weird asking her about her life in Crotia, won't it? (to her I mean)

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (1 September 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntShe just smiled; that was it

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (29 August 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntwell, I said 'hi' last night - I didn't say sarara. When you've never asked a girl out before, it's nervewracking!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (28 August 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntHang on - she doesn't know my name and I'm going there tonight! Won't Hi Sarara sound odd if she doesn't know my name?

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, BigSis United Kingdom +, writes (27 August 2008):

BigSis agony auntOh My God, Tommy!

I've just noticed the date when you first put this post up. 23rd June??

2 months and you've still not done it? 2 months??

Where do you live? I'm coming there to play Cupid if you don't get your finger out!

: D

Good luck Hon.

BigSis

xXx

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (27 August 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntwon't me saying 'hi sarara' in passing sound a bit odd?

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (27 August 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntThanks; I'd never thought of doing it that way!

The only problem is, I don't want to wait that long otherwise she might get snapped up!!

Also, I found it quite interesting you said 'soon you'll be slipping in the question has she a bf at home'! She might have one over here! When the time comes, how should I slip that in?

Has this method worked for you then?

She's already seen me in there with mates

I was going to take my business card in with me (only joking!)

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (27 August 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntThat's for the advice - I've always thought that that Russian Bride thing is a scam, and I'd never do it! That's a good point though, thankyou

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (26 August 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntI know the gardener who works there - and he managed to find out her name for me: her name is Sarara, and she comes from Croatia. So all I have to do now is to ask her out for a drink!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (11 August 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntI'm going down there for a drink tonight - any advice?

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (7 August 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntI went out to lunch today, and my mate and I have been for lunch there a couple of times, but I can't seem to pluck up the courage to ask her out, even when she comes and serves me. I suppose if I want her as my girl, I've got to do something about it haven't I?

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, Susan Strict United Kingdom +, writes (24 June 2008):

Susan Strict agony auntNothing wrong with being a bit cheesy!

As long as it fits fairly well with your own character - if it's something you can say without feeling that you are trying to be someone else.

And SMILE. You don't have to grin like an idiot, but a smile goes a very long way.

Good luck.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (24 June 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntYes, thanks. That's perfect! Won't she think that I'm cheesy for doing that though?

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, Susan Strict United Kingdom +, writes (23 June 2008):

Susan Strict agony auntOK. Keep it simple, fairly basic, and direct. So, something like this:

She brings you the food you just ordered...

"That's really nice..." [look straight into her eyes] "and so are you..." [hold the look for a second] "I suppose you're married or got a boyfriend or something..." [big sorrowful eyes like a puppy that's hoping for attention][quick glance at the ring finger of her left hand then back at her face].

From there, it all depends on her answer and her reaction. You've told her you're interested.

If it's a definite "yes I have a boyfriend" or anything like that, you know where you are (either she has, or she's telling you firmly that she's not interested). If it's "not at the moment" - watch the expression, because that could be "not at the moment and I certainly don't want one like you!" or "not at the moment and yes I'm interested". If the answer is "sort of" or "something like that" then you're in with a chance.

Practise it!!

Will that do for the moment?

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (23 June 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntWhat I'm saying is that when she took my order I ordered scampi and chips!!

What about complimenting her on how nice she looks?

Yeah, I did mean the third finger from the left

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, Susan Strict United Kingdom +, writes (23 June 2008):

Susan Strict agony auntCollaroy, we EXPECT men to be blubbering idiots. And usually we stand back to let him struggle through his embarrassment, pretending not to understand what he's trying to say until he feels a complete moron and eventually gets his words straight - when we know very well what he's asking usually from the very first word. Blubbering idiots are cute.

Tommy, I don't think a ring on the third finger from the left necessarily means anything (assuming you do mean third finger from the LEFT -i.e. the middle finger - and not third finger from the thumb side of her hand).

I agree that "scampi and chips" isn't the best chat-up line in the world. You could add "please". You could also, if you are feeling a little daring, add "Very nice..." when she brings the scampi and chips - deliberately looking somewhere other than the scampi and chips, if you see what I mean!

Just go for it. If you don't ask then you don't know. And unless she is particular observant then she doesn't know that you're interested.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, Collaroy Australia +, writes (23 June 2008):

Collaroy agony auntHi,

mate if all you've said is "scampi and chips" don't expect her to come running into your arms.

She probably gets hit on by guys all the time so if you just come out and ask her without her even knowing your name she will simply see you as no different from the bunch of creeps who probably hit on her all day.

I got the impression you two had communicated from your post. You haven't so this doesnt really bode well for you - as you dont even know her, she could be a total nutcase but you dont know .

This is no way to meet potential dates my man. A girl appreciates a guy who will show her that he is interested in her as a person. Scampi and bleedin chips won't fly my friend.

If you are genuine you will at least make an attempt to find out who she is, what she likes/dislikes, her hopes her dreams etc. Otherwise you are just another guy who is trying to get in her pants.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, Collaroy Australia +, writes (23 June 2008):

Collaroy agony auntHi,

I suffered from the same affliction. I think the ladies dont understand how hard it can be for a guy to ask a girl they fancy out, you suddenly get tongue tied, mumble or become a blubbering idiot. And that's on a good day!

In fact my wife asked me out because I was too nervous to ask her! How sad is that!

But I would say now that the thing to do is to simply try and engage her in conversation when there are no distractions. By talking to her you can find out what she likes. Films? then tell her you have a couple of free tickets to the local cinema ( then you just go out and buy them capice?) Sport? ( I know that's pushing it but you never know ) take her along to see Arsenal ( she will appreciate seeing the best team in the world :).

The point is to find something in common and get in there before some other bloke does, sure you may get knocked back but what's the worse that can happen....she will say no. It won't be the end of the world, and at your age mate you gotta grow some kahunas at some stage, otherwise you'll be wondering for ever why all the girls you like passed you by. That can't be better than the odd rejection.

Good luck buddy.

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, Shawn E C United Kingdom +, writes (23 June 2008):

Shawn E C agony aunti agree with "Susan Strict". the worst a girl may say is no. but there are loads more girls than just 1 perticular one.

to answer your question short. you should buy a pint and ask if she wants anything to drink, she should say something like this "no, i cant at the moment as i am working" this is where you have the choice to say:

1) ok, maybe another time?

or

2) ok, maybe after you shift i can take you out somewhere nice?

hope it helps :) and good luck mate =]

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A male reader, tommy2k7 United Kingdom +, writes (23 June 2008):

tommy2k7 is verified as being by the original poster of the question

tommy2k7 agony auntThe only thing I've said to her is 'scampi and chips' when she took my order!

She has got a ring on her finger (left-hand, third finger from the left). That may not mean anything, but what do you think? On the other hand, no pain no gain!

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

A female reader, Susan Strict United Kingdom +, writes (23 June 2008):

Susan Strict agony auntJust ask her.

Why be nervous? What's the worst that's going to happen? She might say no, and so you move on to someone who might say yes!

Of course you do have one problem. Where are you going to take her? I mean, asking her to go to the pub with you doesn't quite seem appropriate...

<-- Rate this answer

...............................   

Add your answer to the question "Were you nervous about asking your partners on your first date? How did you do it?"

Already have an account? Login first
Don't have an account? Register in under one minute and get your own agony aunt column - recommended!

All Content Copyright (C) DearCupid.ORG 2004-2008 - we actively monitor for copyright theft

0.0469098000030499!