Why (as a whole) are women so afraid to directly ask a a guy out?
444339
Same reason men get nervous as well.  Also is has become expected by society that women should not need to ask guys out and that men should come to them.  though we are veering away from this, this is still he case a lot of the times.
844726
Unfortunately, many decisions are made by one's first impression and often they are based on looks.  If a woman will not talk to a guy because she thinks he's "too good", it's because she lacks confidence in herself.  She is self conscious about her own looks and therefore chooses not to take a chance of being shunned by him.  Rejection is the worst possible hurt...especially for those of us who lack confidence in ourselves and take it to heart.  Believe me, if this same guy approached the woman instead, this lady would be on cloud 9!  But she won't take the initiative to put herself out there because the risk is too great and the consequences could be devastating.\n\nIt's a double standard, isn't it?  Guys are supposed to accept rejection without question and not be hurt by it.  Grown men don't cry and all they want to do by talking to us is to get into our pants.  God forbid they might actually want to have a conversation and get to know us...maybe forge even a friendship.  It just doesn't happen that way.  Besides, we're better than that!  We won't give them the chance.  Women can be quite cruel.
568816
alot of woman are afraid of rejection, just like some men, they dont approach a man their interested because of that, the sad thing is, you never know what the other one is thinking, they may have the same feelings for you, and if you dont get to know them, you could be missing out on a good thing. As for as the guys asking where all the good woman are? A woman who respects herself isnt just gonna go up and hang all over a man she's interested in, she'll sit back and wait to be approched or introduced to you.
1143010
Have you tried asking them out? A confident strong woman sometimes intimidates certain guys but you shouldn't change how you are unless you are disrespectful or verbally abusive. It just takes time and patience. Be open to signs from other people and don't be afraid to make the first move- you may be surprised.
611691
Sometimes, men actually want women to make the first move.  take me for example: i have never really had a whole lot of relationships, but when i got together with my fiance, i made all of the moves, except the first kiss.  I was quite often uncomfortable making the first moves because i was unsure of how she would react.  On the night of our first kiss, i really liked how sweet and sincere the kiss ended up being.  And i know that i would not have made my move that night, because i was far too nervous.  She could see this, and decided to take initiative.  I personally liked it.  It also shows me that the woman knows what she wants, versus "needs" the guy to make decisions all the time.  By the way, it sounds like if he doesn't really look at you, he might be a little nervous around you, and is unsure of how you'd react if he asked you. Go for it!!  I think that most men don't mind if a woman takes initiative, unless that man is insecure about himself and needs to feel "macho" or something by being the decision maker.
148824
I agree with landoflook........fear of rejection. They are content, intrigued, but not enough to go out on a limb and complicate things. I think I'll just wait myself........these men may really be on to something.
58361
It's really easy for a girl to ask a guy out.  I'm a guy, I would know.  I've never turned a girl down.  Women are observative, and will go with their intuitions when it comes to men.  They can decide in ten seconds whether they'd like a guy or not.  Men always want to see where things could go.  The answer will be yes, believe me.  The way I would ask would just be something like, "Hey, do you want to get together and do something sometime?"  Make it really vague.  The answer WILL be yes.  Now, the ball's in your court.  Make him pick what and where.  Good luck.
217368
With some women, it's because they're scared. Also it could be because the girl isn't sure the guy is interested in that way. So if a guy is into a girl, let them know.
454550
they are afraid... to be put down, rejected, thought less of. pity really, i usually go for the intellectual girls my self and don't succeed... they seem to prefer the jocks... oh well.\n\n-----\n\nit doesn't seem desperate on your part. they're just flustered and in shock probably. if you know anything about the guy then you can use that as an opener... this way he knows the subject matter and will have something to fall back on. if he continues to act flustered and walk away then you'll either have to try harder to get his attention (if you are determined to persue this guy) or start thinking about getting a new subject to go after.
523075
Because women have the tendency to intimidate guys and many of us are scared of rejection. Let the guy your writing to know that you want him to.
384261
I think they are afraid of rejection.
750515
fear of being rejected by a girl whom a guy likes can be overwhelming. Not taking a chance is most likely the course, not that it is the right one, just the safe one.
306689
You're probably just a bit nervous - that's normal.  Try getting to know her before you ask her out.  Avoid the pick up joint and go places you will meet people with common interests.
320189
I don't have a problem with asking a man out.  If I like him and want to go to dinner with him I'll ask.  But I get what you're saying.  If you want equality, it's equality in everything not just selected things.
895546
ASK! (that is how I got my man) We flirted everyday and then I just asked if he wanted to go have a drink some time and he took me to lunch the next day.  We laugh about it now (3yrs later) about how I was more of a man than him by asking him out. Go for it girl, worse come to worse he will say no.  You can not live your life hiding go for it. A man likes a women who is not afraid to take risks.
475426
Honestly, most guys prepare for No when they ask, if they are that senstive that they can't take being told no by a girl, they are in for a very long hard life
1073528
I think it might help if you could change your perspective and try to see it from a woman's point of view.\n\nObviously, if the person you want to ask out is someone you have strong feelings for... you have have a lot at stake emotionally and that's going to be scary for anyone.\n\nBut, in general, having someone take an active interest in you or ask you out is flattering... even if you are already in a relationship (sometimes, especially so!), you aren't in a "dating" place in your life right then,  or if the person asking doesn't click for you.\n\nSo, don't make it about whether or not YOU get a date.  Just make it about giving HER something to smile about, maybe.\n\nAlso, please remember that most of us HATE hurting guys with rejection... so if you really want to leave her with a smile, you have to look like it would make you happy if she said yes, but doesn't crush you to the core if she says no.\n\nIf it REALLY freaks you out to approach women, I have two suggestions:\n\n1) Get into something where you are around women more... join a book club or a take a class and get in a study group with women... it gives you guaranteed stuff to talk about and is very good practice.\n\n2) Set up minimum attempts each week.  Start with just one a week.  Whether she says yes or no isn't the point.  It's good practice... and after a while you'll feel more comfortable with it - especially if you luck out with a "yes" every now and then.  (PS Don't start by asking the women out where you work.  It looks really bad when guys do the "rounds".  The complement becomes an insult at that point.)\n\nBest of luck!