But...Is He Gay..?

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I remember having no problem the first time I asked a guy out. But it was a simple matter because I knew he was gay. But what it I didn't? You want to ask a guy out but you do not know if he is gay. How should you do it?

The answer is very simple: Ask him out without asking him out. Confused? Don't be. I'll explain. I'm a fan of developing relationships as friends first (eventually evolving into romantic friendships, then exclusive dating, then more, etc). 

You should take this route—especially since his sexuality is up in the air.

Invite him out to do buddy things—a movie; a game of pool; happy hour; a game of Wii—basically, things friends do. Get to know him as a person and open the door for him to get to know you. How do you approach him? Find something (I'm sorry, anything) that you have in common—the color blue, his sneakers, that gap between his teeth—and strike up a conversation. Then hit him with the invite to do friendly activities. The idea isn't to seduce him, but to become friends, as you would with any other friend. 

You'll build a mutual trust as your friendship grows. Soon afterward you can brush the topic of sexuality. Keep it vague at first by just mentioning gay things, like the latest gay marriage news or gays in the military or your "gay friend" from high school. Then judge his reactions. Once you're comfortable, come out to him.

If he's gay or bi, then he'll response with a disclosure of his own - if he is ready to come out and willing to share it with you. If he's not, and worth anything as a human being, he'll stick by your side and at least be your buddy. Worst case scenario, he is not, and you're better off without him.

Manage your expectations, though. You like him, so consciously or not, you've built a fantasy in your head about you two being together. Sexuality, friendships and relationships are not quite that transparent. Keep an open mind for an infinite amount of scenarios: He may be gay and not ready to come out; he may be gay and is just not into you; he may be straight and a homophobe; he may be straight and gay friendly; or he may be gay and into you. Don't focus on your wants right now; focus on what is.

It's more difficult for us gays sometimes, because we have to assess sexuality and then spit our game to get a date. Most of the guys use this strategy in the gay scene, also because, mostly they are looking for sex, although they don't admit it. Resist the gay need to get the man now and take your time building a friendship. Soon enough all of the mysteries surrounding your hottie will be revealed. 

-----"Is He Gay Or Not?Asking a Guy Out", LiveAbout, 13 December 2017