For years I have always wanted to approach a girl at the gym. I have had luck w writing my number on a piece of paper that says, "didnt want to interrupt your workout, but would like to hear from you. ###-###-#### -Dave"

About 70% response rate, 1 even said she was flattered but had a bf. None ever led to dates. I think because it wasn't a ballsy approach, it was kind of "Nice Guy"

Tonight, during warmup stretches I caught a girl's eye. I gave her a half smile and a nod. After stairclimber, and during leg press I saw her talking to my friend who is an employee.

That moment that had always led to me not taking the chance was silenced this time. I went up, fist bumped my friend and looked at her in the eye and held out my hand to introduce myself.

We briefly chatted and she got back to her workout, I finished talking to my friend.

At one point she and I were working out next to each other but I didnt talk, interrupt, etc. Just stayed focused on my routine.

I knew I had to get her number and I knew I had to follow the Todd V way, the Mystery way, the assertive way.

I ran through a few scenarios in my head. I figured the classic sales technique of getting a yes and another yes would be ideal.

I said, "you mentioned you live in (city) for grad school?

Her, "yeah (something something I'm so nervous and focusing on the next thing I'm gonna say"

Me, "you also mentioned you grew up catholic?"

Her, "haha yeah."

Me (quickly), "well, what I'd like to do is see what else we have in common, let me get your number and I want to take you out for apps and maybe drinks...."

Before i could finish, she said, "yeah I'd be down!" And mentioned a local pub. Which I wont take her to, unless yall think I should.

I finished with, "the worse that'll happy is we have some friendly banter and get a few drinks."

She said, "are you ready for my number?"

I got it. I told her I'd call her. I am going to call her at lunch on tuesday.

I asked one more question (I forget) realize I shouldn't be doing that. Excused myself ("I better finish my workout well talk more, I'll call you!")

She said, "have a good workout!"

I said, "you too!" Even though she was leaving and laughed at myself w a half facepalm like "of course I'd mess up!" So hopefully she thought that was cute

Anyway, this is a huge step for me because I have mostly been using OLD as a crutch since my ex fiance, on top of a recent BPD diagnosis. This is a huge step in the right direction to returning to the confident person I once was