Captain Happy

the wonderful Serp has once again hit the nail on the head with this one. You've got nothin to lose by standing there in the garden havin a talk across the fence - especially if theres been positive smiles exchanged

Ninja Chocobo

the majority of girls prefer a guy with self confidence in spades - the flirting/hint dropping is a test of that, to see how you measure up and if you'll follow up on things. That and many of them lack the confidence to make the move themselves.

I personally view it as risk management. I can deal with someone shooting me down a LOT easier than i can deal with thinking about a "what if" for the forseeable future to come... but thats just my personal take on life