How to Ask a Friend Out for a Date (Continued)

John didn't realize that I'd had a crush on him for months. He was funny, cute, and easy to be with and I wanted nothing more than to be his girlfriend. His hesitant statement made me both elated and confused. What exactly was he saying? Was he asking me out? Or simply stating that he'd like to-- sometime. And what was that "maybe" part doing in there? What did he expect me to say?

Be Prepared

Be prepared for your friend's reaction. Anticipate questions. Anticipate him or her asking you for time to consider. You may even want to offer it by saying something like, "I know this is a change/big step/something you may not have ever thought about. Feel free to take a few days to consider it." This will allow your friend to truly consider the effects dating may have on your relationship. It will prevent him/her from making a rash decision or sharing a gut reaction. It is also courtesy to your friend to whom the thought of dating may have never even occurred.