how 2 ask someone out

 so a new school year has started and u want to get a university bf/gf eh? Well read on for some tips on how to ask people out. 

keep in mind that i am generally not good at these types of things so take my advice with a grain of salt or maybe like a huge truck full of salt idk 

@ the girl reading this: THIS COULD BE US IF U LET ME CUDDLE WITH U

Tip 1: Prepare yourself for emotional devastation 

You have to prepare for the worst case scenario. Before asking someone out, you need to plan out self-care tactics and coping mechanisms in case you feel like shit after getting rejected. Let a close friend know that you're going to ask someone out, and talk to them immediately after to update them on how you feel. If you got rejected, go see a movie with your friend (one that you really want to see so that you have something to feel happy about and distract yourself from The Sad). Make a commitment to yourself to do something nice that day that actually makes you feel happy, like drawing or whatever your other hobbies may be. Meditate and do your long skin care routine and write in your journal. Bake cookies. Also, if your crush says no, make sure you have an exit strategy like "Okay well thanks for being honest with me. I have to go to my ___ class now. I'll see you later." Above anything, preparing for emotional devastation is the most important tip when it comes to asking someone out. 

Tip 2: Be specific about the date you have planned

Okay, so you've scheduled a yoga class to cope with the possibility of emotional devastation. Now you actually have to ask the person out. If you see the person regularly like in class or something, you could ask them in person. However, most people these days do this kind of thing over text. Here's kind of a tip within a tip: wait until both of you are in the right headspace. Before asking them out over text, just send a generic "how are you?" text. You should figure out if they're feeling alright and if they're not stressed about any pressing urgent matter. Make sure both of you are relaxed. Ask them if they are free on a particular day.  Then, briefly tell them about how much you like them (do not make this too romantic or poetic or they will get scared). Just say something like "I think you're a really cool and smart person *heart eyes emoji* I was wondering if you would like to go on a date with me on [insert day and time here] to get ice cream at [ice cream place] and then perhaps go for a walk around [insert nice park]. Of course, I'm fine with just staying friends too if you'd prefer that instead." 

The first and last part of that message along with the use of the heart eyes emoji was very deliberate. This is because it would be extremely sad if the person said yes but thought this was just supposed to be a platonic hangout and not a date. You want the person to know that you like them as more than a friend but you also don't want to scare them away by seeming obsessive. 

Also, it's best to keep first dates casual and low-pressure. This is why ice cream, bubble tea, coffee, desserts, etc. is a good idea as is walking around in a nice park. Movies are good too as long as you go to a cafe or something after to actually talk (if it's only seeing a movie then it's not a good idea as there is not enough interaction between you too). Also make sure you pick a movie that both you and your date will actually be interested in. You should have a good idea of your crush's interests when you ask them out. 

Fancier stuff like museums, art galleries, fancy restaurants, etc. are better for later on. 

Tip 3: Take mixed signals as a no 

People who are people-pleasers, or who straight up have bad communication skills, may not give you a clear yes or no answer when you tell them that you like them. This sucks even more than being rejected because it's just confusing. This could be a very unenthusiastic yes, like just responding with a one word "sure" to you asking them on a date. Later they may seem really awkward and unsure throughout the date. You should really ask them to be more direct and don't get your hopes up if this happens.

Anyways good luck and remember, there are plenty of fish in the seeeeaaaaa