So this one time at Theater Pub I met this cute girl who was very fun and seemed to enjoy my company. And I almost asked her out but did not get the chance.

So I stared at my e-mail for a few days and contemplated asking her out directly but settled on expressing a desire to see her again and seeing how that went. Her response—several days later—did not really seem like she'd taken it as a request for a date, but we did go to a show on Saturday night. I bought her a muffin, and she was so surprised and appreciative, it was adorable. And I almost asked her out but did not get the chance.

On Sunday, I saw her again because she was performing. And I almost asked her out but did not get the chance.

Finally, I decided, screw it, and sent an e-mail that night:

If you hadn't left early tonight, I would have done this in person, but I thought it was time to be direct.

[Name], I would like to take you out on a date. Would you like to go on a date with me?

(I actually used her name. I did not put "[Name]" in the e-mail. Just for the record.)

Then I fell into a deep, dark hole for days as I imagined how terrible and unlovable a person I was. I beat myself up until even I got tired of it.

Finally, this afternoon, while in line for the Cabin in the Woods screening, I got her response:

Well thank you Sunil for being direct! I do enjoy your company but I'm not interested in dating.

To my surprise, since it was the answer I was expecting and had beat myself up over anyway, it didn't actually hurt that much to get confirmation.

Alas! Then let us continue to enjoy each other's company.

So that happened.

Points for putting yourself out there, P-Cow. It's bruising but part of the whole intimacy deal.

I'm kind of proud of you.

I'm totally proud of you. I think what you did is fantastic.

Scary experience today, and I'm really thinking that probably I should call a doctor. I was a dinner guest who brought the dinner with me as a thank your for past favors. and of course when the evening was over needed to bring the empty pots and pans back to my car. Since there were too many dishes to make in one load, I brought the first load (so I thought) then prepared to take the second. Only to find every dish and pot and pan I brought still there. Oops I thought, I wonder whose dishes I took to my car. Only when I got the first load there there were no pots or anything already in my car. And I noticed the second trip too a lot longer than the first. I put them in, and returned for the second trip wondering whose car i put them in. But this was an isolated driveway that meandered up a big hill , and there were no cars that looked like mine in the drive,and anyway my key would not have opened anyone else's trunk. Even though I remembered it clearly that 1st trip never happened.

OK, a bad memory is one thing. Remembering something happening five minutes ago that did not is something else. I've been pretty tired lately, so I suppose I could have fallen asleep for a minute with nobody noticing and dreamed it. But I'm usually pretty good at telling the difference between dream and reality, and my sleep deprivation would have to be pretty extreme for that to happen. And if it is not a dream but an actual false memory or hallucination, that is even more scary. Anyway, I think I'd better call the doctor tomorrow. Because regardless, 1 minute dream, false memory or hallucination that does not seem normal. Am I over-reacting?

Oh and PC, I think your asking this woman out is totally awesome. That is what you should do when you find a (single) woman attractive. Politely but directly let her know. Most women, even if not attracted, will not be insulted and will be willing to remain friends. And you are good looking, smart funny guy, so once you start directly letting women know you are interested, you will find one who is interested back.

So that happened.

It did. And it sucked. But, honestly, I am really proud you were direct and just asked. No, it didn't work out the way you'd hoped but you aren't left wondering either. And either you can deal with a friendship with her or you can't - either are really valid. You were both brave and honest.

Typo Boy, were you too weirded out to ask any questions of the people who were around? Well, either way, dreams can be very strange things. And when we are short on sleep the ordinary progression from one stage of sleep to the next can be futzed. So yeah, I'm going to agree that talking to a doctor as soon as possible is a wise idea. I do hope it turns out to be as simple as wacky hypnagogic effects of sleep dep.

It did. And it sucked. But, honestly, I am really proud you were direct and just asked. No, it didn't work out the way you'd hoped but you aren't left wondering either. And either you can deal with a friendship with her or you can't - either are really valid. You were both brave and honest.

Cass said what I wish I had thought of. Sunil, you did good.

I've been pretty tired lately, so I suppose I could have fallen asleep for a minute with nobody noticing and dreamed it. But I'm usually pretty good at telling the difference between dream and reality, and my sleep deprivation would have to be pretty extreme for that to happen. And if it is not a dream but an actual false memory or hallucination, that is even more scary.

Real sleep dep is a scary, scary thing. Our bodies really do need sleep to function correctly and, even, in the right reality.

I am glad you are going to check with a doctor.

What Cass said to Typo and P-C.

Congrats P-C though for putting yourself out there. It takes bravery and you have that. It doesn't feel great, but in the end, it is a really good thing. You'll be able to slay dragons soon enough! :-)

Typo, yes get yourself checked out. You also might have a sleep disorder that a physician can help you get checked for.

And you are good looking, smart funny guy, so once you start directly letting women know you are interested, you will find one who is interested back.

This. I see lots of evidence of guys being clueless that women are interested. I know it isn't easy, but you have a much greater chance of hearing yes if you ask.

Typo, it sounds like time wonkiness to me! I have only experienced this in sleep. Check it out.