You seem to think the asking part is the riskiest part but I see far more subtleties than the dichotomous she said yes or no.

If I say to a man, “my….you lifted that manhole cover pretty easily. You must work out a lot.” (I so wish I didn’t say that) then I expect that guy to pick up what I just put down. I am not going to play fetch with a cat. If a man doesn’t respond to an overtly flirtatious line than either;

A. He is not interested

B. He lacks the social skills to empathize and read people.

C. He is too fearful of rejection and doesn't value love enough to take risks.

All of those scenarios are a no go for me. I realize the ask is risky, but approaching a stranger and initiating a flirtation is also risky.

What you risk reveals what you value. I am a courageous person. If I can throw my ego to the wind and risk rejection approaching a stranger and giving him my number, then I expect some ego tossing from the guy in return.

No one should do ALL the work. Both parties must have some skin in the game.

Plus, I am definitely old-fashioned so I expect a level of decorum. In other words, if I drop a handkerchief, the right guy will pick it up. The wrong guy will ignore it because feminism said she can pick up her own damn handkerchief. Everyone is different but that’s not the man for me. I was raised by a southern military father with manners so I am naturally going to be attracted to the same. (And I know this behavior frustrates men but here we are…caught between feminism and romanticism.)

Btw, I will ask a man out on the second or third date…once I know he is interested.