Okay, girls, here's why he didn't talk to you . . . maybe . . .

So, you're out with your friends and you see a hot guy. Your eyes meet. There's a connection. You keep glancing over at each other. Maybe he even comes by and chats you and your friends up.

Then he leaves. Didn't ask for your number or anything. Walks out of your life forever. Maybe.

Girls, you gotta give us a chance. If you like the guy and he seems to like you, he's not gonna make his move with your friends around. He doesn't want to get shot down with witnesses, and no matter how obvious the heat is, he's not going to be confident enough to take that chance--unless he's completely drunk or an obnoxious jerk, in which case if you say no he'll immediately hit on your friends. There's a reason we're a little shy when it comes to this--us guys have all ran into women who seem to spend their lives sending mixed signals, and been sent spiraling into the ocean, trailing flames and smoke. So, no, we don't want your friends to overhear when we ask for your number or otherwise make a move. In case you are one of those girls. Give a guy a break--he just met you, okay? How's he to know?

Of course I'm an expert at getting shot down, so I know what I'm talking about. I've hit the silk more times than I can count. In fact, I've been shot down so many times that when I hear 'yes' it takes me a little time to realize it--mentally I'm hearing 'no' again. So, I know all about getting tagged in the dating game.

So, separate yourself from your friends for a few minutes. Go to the bar to get drinks for your friends. Take your time, even a little longer than necessary. Give him a chance to approach--we're gonna want to appear to be cool, so he won't come running over. He'll kinda saunter over, like he was heading this way anyway and it's a happy coincidence that you just happen to be there. He can help you take the drinks back to your table, too. He'll be glad to help.

Of course, this is just an example. I'm sure you can come up with much more creative ways to do this. You don't have to wander around a dark alley alone or anything--you can even stay where your friends can see. Just as long as they are out of earshot. The basic point is give the dude a shot. If he blows it, he blows it, but at least he got a chance--which, trust me, is good karma for you, even if you decide to pass.

Then you can tell your friends all about it.