>>33541567
I went to a language group. I was invited by an older woman from my workspace (nothing between us).
I got chatting to a young woman I met there, she laughed a few times at my jokes, and she bumped into me with a smile as we climbed the stairwell. I found she was in town only for a few days, but she lived within 100 miles, so not insurmountable.
Anyway I got the sense that I should at least ask her out, but didn't. I've gotten to the space where I recognise that if I woman at least *likes* me, but isn't interested or available, she'll take being asked out as a compliment, and her rejection will be very polite. This happened a few times and I've thereby gotten around the rejection fear.
I was standing in the lobby at the end of the event with the work friend - and her equally aged friend, who was very smart and into languages, and had pinned me down. I missed the cute younger girl, who turned to smile and wave at me as she exited. I should've moved my feet over and asked her out, because even a "no thanks" is better than spending the next week mulling over "nothing".
Just writing this here so I don't make the same mistake next time.