Reasons Why Women Should Ask Men Out

Women's Dating

5 Reasons Why Women Should Be Bold & Ask Men Out

Amie Leadingham

Written by: Amie Leadingham

Amie Leadingham

Amie Leadingham is a Master Certified Relationship Coach. Her mission is to empower singles to heal, build self-confidence, and find a loving, genuine connection through conscious dating. Amie has been recognized as one of LA’s Best Dating Coaches and has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including the CBS Network, ABC News, LA Times, People Magazine, Oprah Daily, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and BRIDES. Visit her at www.AmieTheDatingCoach.com.

Edited by: Austin Lang

Austin Lang

Austin Lang has worked in writing and academia for more than a decade. He previously taught writing at Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated with a Master’s degree in English. His past experience includes editing and fact-checking more than 500 scientific papers, journal articles, and theses. As the Marketing Editor for DatingAdvice, Austin leverages his research experience and love for the English language to provide readers with accurate, informational content.

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Reviewed by: Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted as a dating expert by The Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, Bustle, Salon, Well+Good, and AskMen.

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Discuss This! Discuss This!

I’ve come to realize that there are so many missed opportunities out there for singles, especially when it comes to all the single ladies. I know traditionally it has been thought that men always take the lead to ask a girl out and do the whole wining and dining.

But I don’t recommend my clients wait around for that.

In this modern society, I believe it is perfectly fine for a woman to take control of her dating life and let a man know that she is interested. I’ll go over my reasons and hopefully convince you to ask that guy out already.

1. Men Actually Find It Attractive

I, personally, think it shows a confident side of you that makes you way more appealing than sitting on the sidelines and hoping for someone else to take the initiative.

In fact, in 2013, Match.com did a study of 5000 single men and women to see how they feel. And 65% of men actually have been asked out by a woman, and 91% of men answered they are comfortable and wouldn’t mind if women made the first move.

If you like someone, do not keep it a secret! Asking for a date is a brave and mature way to move things forward.

They also felt that women who approached men seemed more confident, which in turn made them more attractive. (Um, that study was done in 2013… we are now in 2025. Come, ladies, let’s keep this momentum going.)

2. You Get to Choose Who You Want

One thing I’ve realized after reviewing tens of thousands of profiles over the years is that most online dating algorithms match you based on your answers to their questions. 

As smart as the technology is, it cannot know your type and chemistry level with each person they offer. That is where the power is in your hands.

 OkCupid.com did a study where they found that women are 2.5x more likely to get a response than men if they initiate.

“If you’re a woman who sends the first message, not only are you more likely to get more responses in general, but you’ll be having conversations with more attractive guys.” — OkCupid

This stat should light the fire to help you start wanting to write men first. I’ve worked with plenty of female clients and helped them make the first move. Yes, it may take some time to find the right match, but I’m here to confirm that these stats are true. Especially the more attractive guys part!

3. You Build Emotional Resilience

Every time you take the initiative, you are taking control of your love life. Forget leaving it to chance. It takes a lot of strength to prove to yourself that you can handle uncertainty and emotionally be strong through the possibility of rejection.

Many people are drawn to the positive energy and charisma it takes to say, “Hey, I like you.”

Most women think this confidence is just in dating, but it is not. It shows up everywhere. By making the first move, you prove to yourself that you are capable of being assertive and expressing your needs.

I’ve had clients who started asking men out and then found themselves speaking up more at work, creating better boundaries in life, and generally advocating for themselves in ways they never had before.

4. There’s Respect Even in Rejection

I know the thought of rejection feels so scary. But here’s what I know: men can typically handle rejection more thoughtfully than women expect. Actually, most men I’ve worked with told me that even if they weren’t interested, they were flattered.

They’ll usually say something like, “I’m really flattered, but I’m seeing someone,” or “I think you’re great, but I don’t feel that spark.” And then? Life goes on. No drama, no social media posts, no telling all their friends how “desperate” you are.

Actually, I’ve found that men respect women more after being asked out, regardless of their answer, because it takes courage.

5. They Can’t Read Your Mind

I can’t tell you how many clients have come to me frustrated, wondering why they’re still single. When I dig deeper, I find out they’ve been dropping “hints” to their gym crush for months, or they’ve been waiting for a guy from their friend group to finally make a move.

Here’s the truth. He might be oblivious that you are even interested in him. But just because he isn’t showing interest back doesn’t mean he isn’t interested. He might be clueless.

Mixed signals and miscommunications can kill a romance. The remedy? A real conversation.

Men are not mind readers, so if you are interested in someone. I highly recommend that you be direct and tell them how you feel.

What is the worst-case scenario that can happen? You get your answer, and things don’t work out. The best outcome is that you finally have the wonderful relationship you have been desiring.

When you ask a man out, you’re doing him a huge favor. You’re removing the pressure of having to interpret your signals correctly and giving him permission to show interest if he feels it.

How to Ask a Man Out 

I had a client who met her partner at the gym. It was a really simple approach: she came up to him and just started to ask him for advice on how to use a certain machine.

As the days went by, they started to talk more and more, and eventually, she invited him out to have coffee outside the gym. He was ecstatic, and guess what? Two years later, they are now happily married.

So the approach can be simple and direct. You don’t need to be a master communicator or drop hints.  Something like, “I really enjoy talking with you. Would you like to get drinks sometime?”  works perfectly.

Be specific with your invitation. Instead of “We should hang out,” try “Are you free to go to happy hour this weekend?” Give him something concrete to respond to.

If he says no, respond with grace: “No problem, thanks for being honest.” 

Don’t take it personally, don’t analyze what you did wrong, don’t try to convince him. Move on like the confident woman you are.

Honestly, we are living in 2025. You don’t have to sit around waiting for someone to notice you or try to read between the lines to understand the signals being sent. Build up the courage to ask the guy you’re interested in out. You have agency in your love life, use it.

The worst thing that happens is that someone says no. The best thing that happens is you meet your person because you were brave enough to make the first move.