If a friend gave you her number, let her know when you text her the first time so she doesn’t think you’re stalking her. Say something like, “Hey Lilah, this is Jamie. I got your number from Jacob, I hope you don’t mind!” Better yet, have your friend text her and ask if it is okay for them to give you her phone number. (This can also be an indicator that she may be interested in talking with you sometime. )

Try breaking the ice with a question like “How was your day?” You can chat about her answer, but when that conversation starts to fade, go ahead and tell her what’s on your mind.

Try including a compliment when you ask her out. Say something like, “I think you’re really cool. Some friends and I are going to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2 on Friday. Do you want to be my date?”

If she says no, send her a gracious text that lets her know you respect her answer. Say something like, “No problem, maybe we can hang out another time. Have a great night!”

If she’s with friends, wait for a break in the conversation, then try saying something like, “Hey, Janie, I wanted to ask you something. Can we go talk over there for just a minute?” It’s okay to ask her out in front of her friends, but if she says no, you might feel embarrassed because there were people watching.

Also be careful not to talk too much about yourself if you get nervous. You might come across as conceited or not interested in the girl herself![5] X Expert Source Cher GopmanDating Coach Expert Interview. 23 May 2019.

Try saying something like, “Are you interested in seeing the new Jurassic World sequel? Some friends and I are thinking of going next Friday. Would you like to be my date?”[6] X Research source If she says she doesn’t want to see that movie or she’s already seen it, suggest your second pick or ask if there is another movie she would like to see. If she says no to that, she may not be interested in dating you.

Just ask her what kind of movies she likes!

You don’t always have to pay for everything in a relationship, but a good rule of thumb is that the person who does the asking usually picks up the bill for a date. [10] X Research source

You can use the time before the movie to hang out and chat for a bit since you won’t be able to talk when the movie is playing. [12] X Expert Source Cher GopmanDating Coach Expert Interview. 17 May 2019.

Choose something that you feel confident in and that you think you look good in, so that you can start the date feeling confident. [14] X Expert Source Cher GopmanDating Coach Expert Interview. 23 May 2019.

You should pay attention to her body language to see how comfortable she feels around you, before initiating physical contact.