Ok ladies, this is the 20th century and it's perfectly acceptable to invite a man out to dinner or a movie. Gone are the days when women waited patiently for the man to do the asking, so don't be afraid to speak up. But wait, you should at least follow a few simple guidelines to getting the guy of your dreams.

First and foremost, make sure that he is not married or involved in a relationship. You do not want to be that woman, so make sure that he's available. You can ask him directly, which is always especially jittery, or you can casually ask an acquaintance. Once you get the green light to go, you can start thinking of a way to ask him out.

If you're the shy type or, like many, have a fear of rejection, it's quite possible to create an environment that seems more like a casual gathering than an intimate date. Invite a few friends, both male and female, to do something fun over the weekend. Casually invite him along and let him know that it's a group activity and you thought he might enjoy it. Perhaps it's a weekend trip or just lunch with some friends, but whatever the scenario, make sure that he's invited and you are the one giving the invitation.

If subtlety isn't your strong point, don't fret. There's nothing wrong with knowing what you want and going for it. With that being said, you won't want to come across as pushy or overly anxious, so try to keep it simple and fun. If you want to ask him out for an afternoon lunch or a movie, that's great. It's casual, fun and nothing too extravagant for a first date. Plus, you don't have to declare your love for him then and there, which means he doesn't even have to know it's a “date” unless he wants to make it one. By the end of the day, you will know whether or not he's interested by his actions and whether or not there are plans for another get together.

In conclusion, everyone gets nervous when they are about to ask someone out for the first time. You may feel a little jittery or your heart may be racing, but that's all part of the fun. Take the time to enjoy it and don't be afraid to ask for what you want. If you never ask, you'll never know.