There’s a girl I’m trying to get closer to at a fast-food place, but it’s hard because the place is usually busy. I feel that she likes me, and I plan on asking for her number by giving her a note with my card to pay for the food. Should I try to talk with her more first, or am I taking the right step with the note?
—Question via Reddit
THREE ANSWERS:
Sade Carpenter
Chicago Tribune editorial assistant | Single, 30
I wish I knew more about the frequency of your encounters with the fast-food girl and what she’s said to indicate she likes you back, especially since you ask if you should talk more first. I’ve experienced many people who mistake general friendliness for flirtatiousness. Still, your plan is very low-risk.
I like the note idea, but you should include your number rather than ask for hers. If she isn’t interested, it could get awkward if she reads the note in your presence. Reference something she’s mentioned in conversation (women love men who listen!) and tell her to call you if she wants to get to know you more. If she finds you attractive and intriguing, she’ll act accordingly.
At best, she calls and you take it from there. At worst, you find a new spot for your fast-food fix.
Sade | @SadeMichelle
Morgan Olsen
RedEye Eat & Drink, Lifestyles editor | In a relationship, 27
To quote a great lyrical poet: “YOLO.” Yes, I did just reference the most used-to-death phrase Drake has ever uttered from his gorgeous mouth, but I truly believe it applies to your situation. You only live once, and if you’d like to spend time with this woman and get to know her, you just have to ask. The worst thing that could possibly happen is she rejects you and you have to find a new place to eat.
Start making casual conversation with her at the register. Quick stuff like, “How’s your day going?” or “How are the chicken tenders?” Keep doing that. When you feel comfortable enough to ask her out, suggest something easy and leave the ball in her court: “Hey, this might sound crazy, but I’d love to take you out for coffee sometime. You don’t have to give me an answer now, but here’s my number. Let me know what you think.” Good luck!
Morgan | @morgancolsen
Akeem Lawanson
Online producer and Snapchat aficionado at RedEye | Single, 30
Let me tell you my story. In college, I regularly ran for the border by grubbing it at Taco Bell. The same girl greeted me each time. I called her “Taco Bell Girl.” I knew I liked her. I wasn’t sure, but something in my mind told me that Taco Bell Girl liked me. Weeks would pass, and as I continued to psych myself up to talk to her, it always ended in a double stuffed burrito instead of a number exchange. Then one day, I was met with a sign on the door of Taco Bell that read, “This location is permanently closed.”
Surely this was a sign from the fast-food gods. I missed my chance with Taco Bell Girl for good. All this to say you should just act in the moment. Or face missing that window of opportunity and crashing through a sealed window of regret.
Akeem | @geekheavy
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