To answer the original question, I agree with Tintin. Be straightforward, but kind.
An experience to show why it's actually less painful to do it that way:
My college had a week in February called TWIRP week (The Woman Is Required To Pay) where it was the girl's turn to ask the guy out on a date. There were prizes for most creative date, least expensive date, etc.
My freshman year, I had a major crush on this one guy. After the Bible study that we both went to, I got up the guts to ask him if he'd be my TWIRP date. That was back in my not-a-lot-of-confidence days so to do this was HUGE for me.
His response was basically that he'd try to fit me in if he could, because him and another guy friend were trying to see how many girls would ask them and making it a competition of sorts. My view of him plummeted after he said that and my crush on him pretty much stopped immediately, which never happens with me. Seriously, just tell me "No, I already have a date, thanks for asking though!" or even "No, thanks." Needless to say, I just told him never mind. I didn't want to be one of many in his silly, self-centered competition, thankyouverymuch. He was probably the president of the "How to Make a Girl NOT Feel Special" club.
Though, the experience did show me just how nerve-wracking it can be to ask someone (that's the only time I've ever done it). My respect for guys went up a few notches after that! Well, not for him. But for guys in general.
An experience to show why it's actually less painful to do it that way:
My college had a week in February called TWIRP week (The Woman Is Required To Pay) where it was the girl's turn to ask the guy out on a date. There were prizes for most creative date, least expensive date, etc.
My freshman year, I had a major crush on this one guy. After the Bible study that we both went to, I got up the guts to ask him if he'd be my TWIRP date. That was back in my not-a-lot-of-confidence days so to do this was HUGE for me.
His response was basically that he'd try to fit me in if he could, because him and another guy friend were trying to see how many girls would ask them and making it a competition of sorts. My view of him plummeted after he said that and my crush on him pretty much stopped immediately, which never happens with me. Seriously, just tell me "No, I already have a date, thanks for asking though!" or even "No, thanks." Needless to say, I just told him never mind. I didn't want to be one of many in his silly, self-centered competition, thankyouverymuch. He was probably the president of the "How to Make a Girl NOT Feel Special" club.
Though, the experience did show me just how nerve-wracking it can be to ask someone (that's the only time I've ever done it). My respect for guys went up a few notches after that! Well, not for him. But for guys in general.
