If you feel like there’s something more than just friendship brewing between you and your friend, then it might be time to ask them out on a date. But doing so can be tricky.
How do you ask a friend out without putting too much pressure on them? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Have a Plan in Mind
Many people make the mistake of rushing things and asking someone out before they really know them. In some cases, this can result in a very awkward situation and the demise of your friendship. This is why it is important to take your time and be sure that you are ready before taking this risk.
Once you are sure that you want to ask your friend on a date, try to come up with a plan that will make it as smooth as possible for both of you. This can help ease some of the nervousness that is likely to be present. For example, you may decide to invite her to a special place that is meaningful to her. This can add some romance to the proposal and show her that you have been thinking about this a long time.
Another good idea is to invite her along with some of her friends. This will let her know that you are not only interested in her, but that you also care about her friends and the social dynamic of their group.
It is also a good idea to have a back-up plan just in case your first choice isn’t available. This will help to ease your anxiety and give you a sense of confidence in your decision.
Be Honest
One of the biggest things to remember when asking a friend on a date is that your friendship is the foundation of the relationship. If you ask your friend out and they don’t agree, that’s okay! Your friendship will survive. However, it’s important to be honest with your friend about the nature of your relationship from the start.
It’s also important to be honest with yourself about your feelings for this person. You may not realize it, but you may be harboring romantic feelings for your friend. If you’re honest with yourself about this, it can make the transition from friends to dates much easier.
If you have been flirting with your friend or they’ve given you subtle cues that they are interested in you, then it might be time to take the plunge. However, you should be careful not to go overboard with the flirting because it could backfire on you.
If you’re not sure how to go about it, try suggesting a fun activity that the two of you can enjoy together. This will show that you’re confident enough to plan something without putting too much pressure on your friend. Plus, it’ll give them an opportunity to respond with “yes” or “no.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”
No matter how much chemistry you may feel with someone, if they’re not into it, that’s okay. Trying to go from friendship to dating is not always easy for everyone involved, and sometimes things just don’t work out. It’s important to take it slow and introduce the way you feel to this person over time so that they don’t find it overwhelming. One of the main reasons why friendships that try to go full dating end is because the pressure was too great for the other party and it was just too awkward.
If you do ask her out and she says yes, be sure to make it clear that this is a date and not just hanging out. Also, try to make it in a special place that means something to the two of you. This will help her understand that it was not a last-minute decision and that you put some thought into it.
You should also pay attention to your body language when you’re on a date with your friend. Some joking poking and prodding is fine, but brushing shoulders or cheeks, leaning in, or kissing send a different message. Also, don’t be afraid to use “I’ll let you know later” if you can’t decide what you want to do or have to get back to something else. But beware of using this as a regular excuse too often because it could lead to ghosting, which is never good.
Don’t Overthink It
Asking someone on a date is a big step and can be stressful. Especially if you are close with the person, you might worry that they will reject you and that your friendship could be in jeopardy. Take some time to evaluate your feelings and ponder the consequences of your actions before making a move.
It’s important to remember that you’re friends first and foremost, even if things progress to a romantic relationship. This will provide you with a safety net should the situation not work out.
If you’re nervous about asking your friend on a date, try to slowly introduce your intentions over several days or weeks. Trying to express your feelings all at once will likely come off as overbearing and could cause your friend to become confused.
Additionally, be mindful of your body language. Leaning in and making eye contact are both great ways to convey that you’re interested. On the other hand, avoiding eye contact and crossing your arms sends a different message. Lastly, be careful about complimenting her on her looks – while it’s okay to occasionally compliment your friend’s attractiveness, it can quickly become a turnoff if you overdo it. Instead, try highlighting her accomplishments or discussing interesting aspects of her personality to show that you’re genuinely interested in her. This will also help her to feel comfortable and may encourage her to reciprocate your interest.
