Easy Ways to Ask Someone Out on a Date

You've spent the entire evening flirting with someone. You're on fire, loving life, feeling wanted and dying to see them again. All you have to do is ask.

Asking someone out on a date should be easy, right? Yes, but it is rarely that simple. Especially if you are nervous, a bit shy or suffer from a slight case of social anxiety.

The first thing to remember is to relax. Try not to view your request as a date. Better still - take the pressure off by not even using the "D" word. The whole thing takes on a life of its own when that word appears.

While asking for a date directly has a great rate of success, sometimes an indirect route can save you some anxiety when approaching a potential love interest:

Create an Opportunity
Once you know more about what your date likes to do, you can offer an invitation. If they dig art, ask them to the latest big museum exhibition. Into sports? See if they would like to check out a CFL game the next time the Argonuts are in town.

Drop a Hint
Ask about a subject and drop a subtle invite. Say something like:

* You: What do you like to do on the weekends?
* Them: Hiking
* You: We should go hiking together sometime.

Then move on in the conversation. Ask about her favorite hiking spot. Listen carefully to her response and gauge her enthusiasm. If she stays upbeat and positive, ask her if she would like to go hiking with you next weekend.

Keep It Casual
If you are uncomfortable asking "Would you like to go to dinner Friday night?" try:

"I am going for a ride along the boardwalk on Sunday. Would you like to go?"

Posing the question as if you're already going and they can join you, if interested, will take the pressure off both of you.

Be Specific
"I'd like to take you for coffee this Thursday" is more powerful than asking if they would like to "go out sometime."

The key is to plan ahead and be specific when asking someone out on a date. Your potential date will feel much more comfortable saying yes if they know what you want to do.