What's the Middleground between Playing Hard to Get and Making the First Move?

I absolutely agree. For me, when I was in high school, I never asked any girls out because I was afraid of being rejected. And I've come to learn that being rejected isn't the end of the world. But still, I think that the majority of guys fall into one of two categories. Either they're a player and they think they're God's gift to women, or they are really shy and don't approach a woman because they're afraid of being rejected.

I agree that women want to feel special and be pursed and swept off your feet. The problem you face is that most guys are either confident and jerks, or shy and nice. The thing that you need to remember, is that guys can't read women, and we don't see signs or signals that you send.

First off, you need to talk to the guy and get to know him. First find out about him and find out whether he really is the type of guy you want. But I agree that a real man should pursue the woman. But sometimes we guys need a little help to break out of our shells. Approach us, and tell us that we are cute. Nothing can give a guy more confidence then being cute to a girl. Or maybe give him a compliment that is plain as day that you think he's cute. Don't try and give some subtle compliment that he SHOULD take that you like him, because he WON'T. Also, instead of just giving the guy your phone number, say, "Well aren't you going to ask for my phone number? " Playing hard to get isn't what you want to do, but you do want him to know that he has to work a little for you. Be honest with him. Don't act interested and then walk away, because guys have no clue what anything means. But if you tell him that you think he's cute, but that you don't just give out your phone number to just anyone, but he has to "earn" it, it could be a way that he knows 1) You're not a slut 2) You think he's cute 3) He has the possibility to get your phone number. This does a few things. First off, it gives him a little confidence. It makes him have to earn it. And the ultimate decision is still up to you.

But try it out and let me know. I'm really curious to see what you think, if it works, etc.