To give some background, I’ve always been a bit shy with girls. Recently I finally found someone at my nerdy university—well, actually, she found me (she asked for my number). At my university, we went through a lot of “training” where the general advice for guys was pretty much to avoid approaching anyone and for girls to call a specific number for any unwanted attention. So, when what I’m about to describe happened, I was really nervous about making any kind of move. I didn’t want to risk overstepping boundaries or accidentally making her uncomfortable. In hindsight, her asking for my number and agreeing to go out was probably all the reassurance I needed (yeah, I know, I missed the signs).

Here’s what happened though: we were sitting together and watching a concert of sorts, and at one point, she tried to hold my hand. Instinctively, I pulled away, partly because in all honesty I didn’t realize it was her reaching out to me. It only hit me after we said goodbye and I was back home that I’d misread the situation. To make up for it, I invited her to a nice sushi place (without mentioning the hand situation), but she politely declined. I know I messed up and I understand exactly how, but I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to fix this. My current plan is to give her some space and maybe try again next week. Also, if anyone has any other advice—no matter how blunt—I’d really appreciate it.

(I didn’t realize it was her because like a minute beforehand and before in general some people were walking between us to get to their seats…)