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How To Ask Someone Out

by Jessica Stevenson
for About.com

All you need to accomplish this task is an attraction to another person, the desire to tell him/her how you feel about them, and the willingness to take a risk.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

  1. Get alone with him/her or call him/her on the phone.
  2. Talk about stuff.
  3. Relax. Take a deep breath.
  4. Smile (even if you're on the phone). Remember that s/he will be flattered by your question.
  5. Pop the question: '[name], will you go out with me?'
  6. Relax, pay attention.
  7. Listen to his/her reply.
  8. Don't interrupt!
  9. If the answer was 'Yes,' congratulations! Within the next 24 hours, let him/her know how much you appreciate him/her.
  10. If the answer was 'No,' that stinks, I know. Respect his/her decision and talk with him/her about where to go from here, especially if you're friends.

Tips:

  1. Do something to make him/her feel special (send a card, give a flower, compliment him/her, write a letter).
  2. Be confident. Believe in yourself!
  3. Do not put your value as a person in their answer. If s/he says no, you're OK with yourself.
  4. Know that there is somebody out there for you, even if the person you want right now isn't interested.
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