How do I ask anyone out? I’m afraid of being a creep and this subreddit has only reaffirmed that. Not to be an incel, but it sounds like you’re literally never supposed to approach a woman. Is this just how modern dating works? I’m not trying to be a troll.

To be clear, I do have some level of ADHD and anxiety so I simultaneously overthink and worry about things. i’m not trying to weaponized incompetence, which was something I was pressed on. It’s just a fact.

Here are the strategies I’ve had and the rebukes this sub gave

1. If I see an attractive woman once at the grocery store, walk by once to see if they say anything. Don’t make eye contact, however, because that’s still creepy.

• This sub: Walking by a woman on purpose is the same as following and that can cause them to feel stalled. I emphasize. I only walk by once and don’t even make eye contact, but the sub said there would still possibly be “vibes.” There’s absolutely no way to do this respectfully.

2. Strike up a conversation at a book store about a book she’s buying.

• This sub: That is actually worse than the first and Will automatically come across as stalking or disrespect, especially if you cross the aisle more than once.

3. Ask if it’s OK to sit next to someone at a bar.

• This sub: Invasion of personal space and always creepy.

I got it downvoted when I was trying to offer my intentions and accused of either trying to be creepy or not caring if I did.

**I want to be extremely clear. I’m not trying to be a creep or an ince. The idea of making a woman uncomfortable concerns me greatly.**

But literally every single approach I could possibly have someone had a rebuttal. I tried to make certain that each one left an open space, but the actual consensus seems to be never approach a woman or even give one space to approach you.

I’m not trying to sound like a troll, but it makes it sound like dating is literally impossible unless you just happen to overlap in friend groups or something.

Maybe I should just give up because I honestly don’t want to be weird. I hate Andrew Tate people, but it seems like they’re accidentally right (broken clocks) that approaching or being in the general direction of a woman could be taken as harassment. i’m not afraid of being accused of that, I just honestly don’t want to do it.