How to Ask Someone Out On A Friend Date (Without Being Awkward or Creepy)

These days asking someone out on a date can be way more complicated than it used to be. I’ve met guys who’ve wanted to go out, but have been so shy that they’ve asked via text message or through social media messages (see how technology socially handicaps?) and I’ve also met guys who’ve asked in person, but not clearly or confident enough for me to know if they were truly interested or not. I’ve even met my fair share of male and female creepers who’ve wanted to hang out as friends, that I either actively avoided, or straight up declined. So, I thought about cool ways for people to ask people out as friends, which might help ease nervousness for all parties involved. These tips aren't just for wooing potential suitors, but can be used to make new friends and find new community (which can be challenging the older you get) so below, check out three tips on how to ask someone out on a friend date without being awkward or creepy.

· Be Open. I’ve been through different dating and friendship seasons where I felt utterly alone. I wanted to be out dating different guys and hanging with new friends, but I wasn’t being assertive about changing my situation. Being open requires getting out of your comfort zone and a willingness to get uncomfortable enough for different things you’d like to experience. Be willing to be open and vulnerable with different people God may be putting in your path. This world is so big, unique, and filled with a lot of people, some of which are waiting to meet someone as cool as you.

· Find Common Interests. A lot of different people I’ve met were people I shared some differences with, but mostly a handful of common interests. Common interests make great conversation starters and can help forge new bonds with great people. Any and everything from music, movies, restaurants, travel, and more can be considered common interests that connect you with new friends.

· Just Ask. This might be one of the most challenging of the three tips because a lot of people are scared of rejection. I get it. When I was teenager I used to be bold enough to ask guys out that I liked. Almost all of them turned me down, avoided me, and never liked me back. But I never had to wonder what if? I’ve turned down my share of suitors as well, but when you’re honest and upfront, no matter who is turning down whom, everyone can move on. The same thing would happen when I wanted to be friends with girls that wanted nothing to do with me. If rejected, I could move on to people who were more open and accepting to build a friendship If you meet someone interesting, ask them if they’d like to hang out sometime. If they say no or show disinterest, respect their wishes and move on to people waiting to meet someone as awesome as you J Hope you find these tips helpful!

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