Score. I've been working hard (excercizing, sleep, practicing game) to boost my confidence and it's paying off.

I felt damned good after Yoga tonight. Strong, full of energy, on a high. I dropped by REI to pick up some minimalist x-training shoes for a business trip next week. My attendent was a total cutie. I owned my body language from the get go - Yoga helps with that. I flashed her a huge smile and started flirting. She touched her hair, leaned in close, offered to "measure my feet" (well, they kind of do that with everyone but definiate IOIs). After 10-15 min and a few pair of shoes I brought up where she lived, same neighborhood as I, so more commonalities. Restaurant recos, parks, festivals by us, etc. Finally, when she's helping me, I come right out "You're really cute. This Sunday let's go to [restaurant x] for brunch and take a hike". She blushed and admitted she had a boyfriend. I told her don't sweat it, to consider it a complement, and nothing got awkward.

What I'm taking away from this: 1) I wasn't seeking a date or to flirt. I saw a cute girl and it just happened. I'm going to continue focusing on positive drivers for myself (exercise, sleep, studying game, practicing, etc.)

2) I was outcome independent. I was nervous to ask her out, but I did anyway. And when she said no I didn't care. If she said yes, cool beans. The outcome didn't matter. This made it FUN, not nerve racking

Thx Seddit. Please let me know what else I can learn from this.