In this modern day world, where we have access to the world literally in the palm of our hand, there is one thing that I just cannot seem to grasp: why so many people are terrified to make the first move.

With texting, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook (the list goes on and on), there are infinite ways to contact whomever it may be that you are trying to reach. Well, after much thought and the interrogation of my gal pals, I have found the answer:

Rejection.

It’s a place we’ve all been before and will do anything to ensure that we never return. Sure, it may be as painful as walking into a Forever 21 with no specific purchase in mind, but just like finally finding a t-shirt there that isn’t ruined with tacky phrases like “On Wednesdays We Wear Pink,” the process is rewarding!

You learn what didn’t work about the situation (whether that be a reflection of yourself or the other), and you can focus on what to do differently next time around. The problem is, so many women are worried about rejection in the first place or assume it’s the guy’s job to initiate, that they won’t even consider making the first move to begin with.

The worst that can happen? They say no? So what.

Either way, someone gets rejected, or it works out and no one gets rejected (the preferable scenario)! If they say "no," it's their loss. On to the next you one you go, cuz obviously you have boys lining up for you.

Here are a few helpful ways – from one savvy single lady to the next – to defy the stereotypes and put yourself out there:

1. Food is a solid go-to for your first encounter.

A worldwide favorite. You really can’t go wrong with asking a guy to grab a bite. Whether it’s coffee before class, a full-blown meal, or some froyo, it’s really not that big of a deal.

Like, it’s food. Humans need food. We’re humans. Therefore, through the transitive property (shoutout to the only thing I remember from geometry), we need food and what better than to bring that special someone you’ve been eyeing from afar!

2. Getting those digits.

This one can be a little more challenging, as it isn’t safe to assume you will already have their number. Lucky for you, there are two ways to go about cell number retrieval:

A) You ask every single person you’ve ever seen him interact with if they happen to have their contact.

It’s super subtle, people just assume you need to ask him a homework question, obviously.

B) You strut (yes, strut) up to him and ask for his number.

Usually, when I opt for this tactic I’ll make a super cute joke after like, “Ohhh getting your digits” and it really just breaks the ice which leaves me confused as to why they never text me?

3. Texting once you get the hombre's number.

You got the number, so what’s the point in going through all that trouble just to let it marinate in your phone for a while… text the kid!! Warning: you will check your phone every five seconds probably after hitting “send” but he doesn’t have to know that.

If you want to talk to him, either way, someone has to initiate it, so rip off the Band-Aid and just do it. Like I said, the worst-case scenario is you get no response and THAT. IS. OK. A wise woman once said, “Nobody’s perfect, I gotta work it” and man was she right. Nobody is perfect, literally nobody, so might as well work it and put yourself out there!

You get shut down? Try again (preferably not on the same guy unless you want a restraining order).

You determine the outcome of your future, so if you want it, go get it. The only thing stopping you is you.