How to ask for a date

You've been chatting to someone online and you feel like the signs are all pointing towards a real-life date, but how should you go about asking?

Well, the truth is, if you feel comfortable talking to the person in question about all the other things you've been chatting about, getting the subject of a date out there should be almost as simple.

The key is not to be worried about being rejected – it's possible the person you're talking to might not want to meet, of course, and this could be for a wide range of reasons. But if you think the chat has been going well for a while, chances are they do to, so go for it!

Don't feel the need to be too specific

You don't need to name a time, place and activity in the first instance, in fact it's probably much better to leave things open and start by simply saying: Do you fancy actually meeting me sometime? You can iron out exactly what you'll do later on. That way, your date has a chance to give their input about what activity they would like to do.

Don't hold back

It's probably best to do a bit of chatting before you ask someone out – so that you know you feel comfortable together. But don't take too long over it: You might as well get the idea out there if you fancy meeting up, even if you start by sowing the seeds of a general desire to meet up at some point, and only make concrete arrangements later.

Don't pester too much

If someone seems to want to keep chatting online longer and isn't ready to meet, don't pressure them – although you may well want to bring the idea up now and then, to see if they've changed their mind.