What to ask a girl that you are dating

I’ve always loved dating — meeting new people, winning them over, flirting, the fun tension, all of it. One thing I didn’t like, however, was figuring out the definitions. Are we seeing each other, dating, hooking up, hanging out, or what? A recent client of mine experienced the same feelings.

He was 27 years old and had never been kissed, but he was eager to learn about dating. Midway through our sessions, he met a girl, went on a date, and kissed her. He came in so happy the next time we met, but his next questions really highlighted his lack of experience.

“So, does this mean we’re in a relationship?!” he asked excitedly. “No, it doesn’t yet,” I gently responded.

“Well, how do I know when I’m in a relationship?” he inquired. I said, “Oh, young buck, philosophers and dreamers have been trying to figure that out for millennia. The best and easiest way is just to ask her to be your girlfriend!”

If you’re in a similar situation where you really like a girl and are ready to take it to the next level, don’t stress. Here are the top 15 ways to ask someone to be your girlfriend.

Best Ways (#1-3)

If you don’t think you’re a creative or romantic person (both skills are learnable, by the way), sometimes facing the issue head-on will be your best chance for success. There are fewer moving parts and fewer things that can go wrong.

1. Pure, Unadulterated Truth is Often the Best Tactic
If you don’t think you’re a creative or romantic person (both skills are learnable, by the way), sometimes facing the issue head-on will be your best chance for success. There are fewer moving parts and fewer things that can go wrong.

2. Invite Her to an Event as More Than Just a Date
If you have some sort of social event coming up where you are going to be in public, invite her to it by saying something like, “I want to take you to the end-of-the-year gala… as my girlfriend. Are you interested?”

3. Act Like It’s No Big Deal
While you two are doing something casual like watching a movie, driving, or chilling on the couch, if you feel like you can’t wait to ask her any longer, just look over at her and simply say, with no preamble, “Can we be monogamous now? Yes? Cool!” Resume activity.

Cute Ways (#4-6)

Being cute is sometimes a thin line to walk as a guy. You don’t want to come off as weak or schmaltzy, but when it’s done right, it can be extremely endearing. Below are a few cute ways to ask her to be your girlfriend.

4. Show Your Sincerity
Sometimes, all it takes is showing some vulnerability and saying exactly how you feel. “I want to be your boyfriend,” is what I said to my wife, so I can guarantee that it has worked at least once!

5. Compliment Her, Then Ask
If and when she does something charming or funny or makes you look good in front of your friends, you could half-jokingly, half-seriously offer up, “You’re amazing! I want to lock this in; I want you as my girlfriend. What do you think?”

6. Order a Singing Telegram, Honestly
Yes, these still exist! This is a brave move, but if you’re confident she feels the same way, send a singing telegram to her house and hide nearby with some chocolate and champagne. Now, this won’t work with every woman. This idea is best for those who enjoy a little bit of corniness in their lives.

Romantic Ways (#7-9)

A lot of women love romance. That’s why those who do spend over $900 million on romance books a year. Sometimes it’s hard for a guy to be romantic because our brains may not be wired that way, but I’ve got a few never-fail romantic ways in which to ask out a girl to be your girlfriend.

7. Cook Her a Dinner With Things That Go Together
Foods that pair together perfectly include mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, spaghetti and meatballs, and burgers and fries. When you two are sitting down to eat, comment about how some things just go together and are better together and say, “Kind of like you and me.” Then ask her!

8. Use Your Talents
If you’re musically inclined, write her a song. If you’re a writer, write her a poem. If you are a coder, write up some “malware” that eventually pops up on her screen: “Error 2569. In order to proceed, must agree to be Steve’s girlfriend.”

9. Bake or Buy Her Something Sweet With the Question Written on It

Creative Ways (#10-12)

I love to give creative gifts. I think it’s fun to figure out unique ways of doing something. You’ll definitely stand out and show that you put some time and effort in it. Check out some of these different ideas to ask a girl to be your girlfriend:

10. Create a QR Code Especially for Her
Licketycut.net can make you a custom piece of jewelry with a QR code that can say anything you want. Not only is the necklace a piece of high-tech fashion, but boy will she be surprised when she scans it and receives a personalized message from you.

11. Make Her a Sign & Surprise Her Out of Nowhere
If you know that she drives, walks, or commutes a certain way to work, school, or home, make up a sign or poster that expresses your desire, such as “Bella, will you be my girlfriend? — Luke.” Keep in mind, though, that this suggestion is best for extroverted women.

12. Check Out Pinterest for Inspiration
Seriously, Pinterest is a fantastic resource if you want to get creative with how you ask a crush to be your girlfriend. This egg arts and crafts project is just one of hundreds of ideas that are sure to blow her mind, and you can guarantee that you’ll be the only one to ever do something like this for her.

Funny Ways (#13-15)

I’m a big goofball. Being silly and irreverent is high entertainment for me. After all, if you can keep a woman laughing, chances are she’ll want to spend more time with you. Consider these funny ways:

13. Catch Her Off Guard
Lean over to her on some random day and tell her, “So, hey, I need to tell you something.” She’ll reply, “What’s that?” Quickly give her a kiss and say, “You’re mine now. We’re exclusive.” Make sure you end it with a smile and a wink!

14. Add an Event to Your Google Calendar & Invite Her
This is the time to show off your sense of humor if you’re that kind of guy. I’d suggest trying something like: “Saturday, 9 p.m., Nov. 19, Kate agrees to be my girlfriend.”

15. Take Her to a Comedy Night & Let the Comedian Ask for You
Grease the right palms of the comedian performing that night and have him or her ask the woman you’re interested in during a joke. They’re professionals — let them do the joke, not you. Again, this idea will really only work with someone who is outgoing and is a fan of unexpected acts of love.

Now That You Know the Ways, Keep Calm & Just Ask Her Already!

Knowing when or how to tell someone you want to be exclusive shouldn’t be confusing or nerve-wracking as it was for my client and can be for so many guys every day. The tips above are just some of the good ways to ask a girl to be your girlfriend, but at the end of the day, you know the girl you like and/or are dating more than anyone, so trust your instinct on this one!

Photo sources: nerdist.com, fantasticpixcool.com, buzzfeed.com, framepool.com

Originally published in DatingAdvice.com