One would think that

yes..but am I the only ONE who thinks that?

No but perhaps you are only one in a hand full of people. I always thought that if you like someone, let them know, one person mentioned the other day that they won't do that because think of how embarrassing it would be if they didn't feel the same...well that's how the whole getting to know someone/ dating thing works!

embarrassing...I think that's kinda silly. Not every one is going to connect..and who's going to know. hummmmmm (scratching head)

Remember when you liked a boy or girl and you were gonna ask them out, but then some other person "kindly" told you that you did not have a chance in Hades of hooking up with that person?

This kind of scenario happens alot, and it is a shame that others will tear someone down like that. Society tells us that the "Nerd" cannot have the "hot chick". Or that the "slightly overweight" girl can't get the "athletic" guy. How come? Who made these rules? It is stigma such as these that make some people fearful of trying to approach, or even chat with (on the net)a person they like but they feel would be "unapproachable". And yes, it is a shame, because you never know what can happen.

There are several women here that I would have liked to date.
But I am not going to drive 1000 miles for a 'meet and greet cup of coffee and lunch'

I did take a chance, and I have found someone special!!!!!!

I'm the one who said it would be embarrassing to admit such a thing to someone and then find out they didn't feel the same way. I stand by that statement. I wasn't aware that a person's ability to become embarrassed lessened or disappeared over time, once they became an adult, I'd be very interested to know how some of you reached this point. If there's a pill or something, yeah I want it.

I've told men I had "crushes" on them in the past. I've told men I loved them in the past. Each time I was rejected it was embarrassing and it hurt. I don't like to be embarrassed and I really don't like to hurt. So if keeping my feelings bottled up inside prevents me from experiencing any of those emotions by my own fault (because duh, I know you can't prevent hurt or embarrassment all the time, but you don't have to be the cause of it) then by all means, I will keep my mouth shut, I will keep my feelings to myself, and I don't mind missing out on "the one" because I didn't take a chance. My pride/ego/whatever is more important than the possibility of "love/like."

I admire those of you who are able to "put yourselves out there" perhaps it does make you a stronger person. I'm content not needing to define myself that way. Carry on with your disparaging comments about those who feel the same as I do.