Here’s why men keep telling ladies to ask men out on here.

I've noticed it happening a lot. Some women have been bemoaning the frequency of the same 'trite' and preachy posts. But to be honest, I'd say there's a good reason men keep posting it. They're trying to tell you something, ladies. These posts are often racking up upward of 15,000 upvotes. Statistically, I've yet to see any of the comments be men who denounce the idea of women approaching them (this alone should tell you something). Every single person in the comments who claims men actually don't like being approached always seems to be a woman ironically enough. With respect, I think men would know what they want a little better than you think they want… And by an overwhelming landslide they have spoken. Men want you to approach them.

But I wanted to share a short story that I think will also illustrate the difference in perspective of men here versus the women on here.

I'm a guy in my early twenties. I get nervous around women and I always feel like I'd just bother them. Despite this, people will always make it known to me indirectly that some girl has a massive crush on me. I'd say it happens fairly routinely. But it's always a woman who has never ever bothered to even say hello to me. The girl themselves will rarely interact with me (if at all). And so it's understandable that I'd assume they have no interest in me. Contrast this with men. I've been hit on blatantly by a lot of gay men in my life.

One particular incident, I was at a bus station waiting for a bus. This guy sat down by me and apologized for bothering me but wanted to know if a certain bus had already passed (it hadn't) and he was grateful to know. But before long he was extending his hand out to introduce himself to me, ''The name's Michael. But my friends call me Mike''. He began to rummage through his bag as he began to make friendly small talk with me. At one point, I mentioned how I had to get back to celebrate my birthday, so he instantly and correctly surmised me to be a Scorpio. I laughed and nodded. So he offered to read the palm of my hand if I was interested. I nodded and extended my palm and he began to tell me about my fortune. But my bus came, and I think he knew it was now or never, so he said, ''Hey, listen… Your bus is here and all. But you wouldn't be interested in getting a coffee sometime with me would you?''. And that's when it clicked: He is gay. I was very flattered too, and I explained that to him but said I wasn't gay, unfortunately. And we shook hands once more and he smiled and told me it was nice meeting me.

Now I'm not saying you have to ask a complete stranger out from a bus station (in fact, I'd advise against it). But I've never experienced any level of directness from any women comparable to that in my life… Not even remotely close. Even when they were interested! But I experience it from gay men on the regular. And they're one of the most persecuted minorities around. And that's a complete joke if you don't mind my saying so.

It's okay to approach guys you're interested in. This isn't about some women being shy. It's about women in general just not even bothering because they know they'll get approached regardless without putting in any effort.