Don’t Be Nervous, Here’s How An Expert Suggests Asking Someone Out IRL

With the advent of dating apps, having to actually ask someone out face-to-face practically feels like a thing of the past. But what happens if you spot a hottie on the elliptical at the gym or in front of you in line, grabbing a cold brew at your favorite coffee shop? Do you let them get away just because they're not swipeable? No way. This is why asking someone out in person is a skill you may want to add to your modern dating repertoire, even if it feels a little old-school.

It's no mystery that asking someone out IRL can feel super intimidating, especially if you rarely (or never) do it. But according to Diana Dorell, intuitive dating coach and author of The Dating Mirror: Trust Again, Love Again, it doesn’t have to be. The first thing to know is that pretty much everyone is on the same boat. "Even the most confident looking people get nervous, it's normal," Dorell tells Elite Daily. But, "when you do it often, it [becomes less] scary."

Here's how Dorell says you can master your nerves and start making connections in real life.

Why It’s Totally Natural To Feel Nervous Asking Someone Out.

Asking someone out in real life can feel particularly nerve wracking because the stakes feel higher face-to-face, explains Dorell. “The potential for rejection can make it hard — especially when it's in real-time in front of you,” she says. However, that doesn’t have to be the case, and the more you put yourself out there and ask people out, the less scary it can become, she adds. “I believe that it is a muscle you develop — discerning to see whether it really would be a good idea and then getting out of your head and just going for it, trusting that regardless of what they say, it's not a reflection of how lovable or worthy you are,” she shares. So, in other words, practice makes perfect... or at least less intimidating.

How To Calm Your Jitters When Asking Someone Out.

Next time you see that cutie on the quad and you’re ready to make your move, Dorrell suggests taking a moment to calm your nerves before you make your approach. “Take deep breaths, visualize it going well (this is what athletes do before a game and it works!) and remind yourself that in the grand scheme of things, it's one minute of your life,” she suggests. It also helps to take a look at the bigger picture to help lower the perceived stakes of asking this one person out. “There will be other — just be present and have fun,” Dorrell advises.

Keep Your Energy Casual.

Now that you’ve taken a moment to calm your nerves, it's time to just go for it. Dorrell suggests approaching them with a casual yet confident energy. You can also kick things off with some small talk to gauge the vibe. “Introduce light topics to get a feel for the situation, engage them in conversation, and then when the moment strikes, ask them out,” she says. As for what to say, just convey the same chill, low-pressure vibe. “It's all about your energy. If you are nervous and trying to make it sound all perfect, it will come off [that way],” she explains. Dorrell’s advice is to just throw the invite for a date into conversation like it's not a big deal. That way, if they do decline, it will feel like less of a big deal to you as well.

Putting yourself out there and being vulnerable is tough for just about everyone, so struggling with it is totally understandable. In the end, try to remember that the more you do it, the easier it gets. So don't sweat it (too much). You’ve got this.

Expert cited:

Diana Dorell intuitive dating coach and author of The Dating Mirror: Trust Again, Love Again