I don't squirm at the idea of asking a man out. I don't see the big deal in it, it is what it is. & if I'm into you, I'm not bothered to show it by asking you out. That's not a societal role I buy into where the guy has to ask the girl out. However and this is the biggest however, just because I'll do the dirty work and ask you out does not mean I'll chase you while you play hard and harder to get. I know the value of my time. Personally there's no shame in speaking my feelings. I'd rather have peace with myself. I don't want the unsettling presence of what ifs and would have beens. That being said my time is in fact valuable. After I say my peace you have two options, yes or no. I'm okay with either one. My world does not end or begin because you're into me too. As my own person I stand, with or without your infatuation or eventual love. In hindsight, I want what everyone else wants. Someone who wants me back. Certainly you're just as handsome and as charming as before but I'm not going to chase something that may or may not have potential in it. Unrequited love is not a real love. It's a waste of my valuable time. I'd rather be alone, soaking up my own company than continuing to put myself out there for no reason. There are men and women who thrive on the chase but I won't chase you. I won't beg for your attention, I have my own attention. I won't beg for your affirmations, I can give those to myself. Unrequited love is "one of the most self-destructive traits we have," (Matthew Hussey). I used to do this, don't get me wrong. I lived on the potential of an unrequited love. But as Hussey said it is definitely one of the most destructive experiences I've put myself through. The love you can give yourself is so much more viable than the love you think someone else may give you if you keep chasing them or the love you think they would give you if you were just persistent enough. You can't force someone to love you. Falling in love is an outside force but it's not an outside force from people's own violation. It just happens. & you have no say when it does. Don't spend your time constantly chasing someone trying to trip them to fall in love with you. You'll be drained. You'll have no emotional energy left for yourself. If you ask me, I'd rather spend my time genuinely loving myself or being genuinely loved by another than constantly knocking at someone's door who won't answer. Unrequited love is bullshit and believe me, you deserve more than bullshit.