How to Ask for a Girl's Number in Front of Her Friends

You're out at the local coffee house, club or community event and you see the cute girl from your chem class across the room. You've been waiting for what seems like ages to ask her out and you finally have gotten up the courage to confront your crush. The only problem is that she's surrounded by a circle of her friends. Asking a girl for her phone number in front of her pals may make your palms sweat, but isn't impossible.

Wait for an opportune time to break into her discussion. Don't interrupt a conversation that she's having with her friends. If the group of girls is huddled together in a serious-looking conversation, wait until they take a break. Look and listen for ok-to-enter signals such as a lull in the conversation or other people coming in to their group.

Gather your courage. Approaching your crush, especially when she's surrounded by her friends, may seem scary. Put your fears aside and think positively about yourself before you start talking.

Speak assertively. Find a balance between being shy and pushy. Approaching the girl as the shy guy might not get you what you want. Acting overly confident may make her, and her friends, skeptical of your intentions.

Direct your attention to the object of your affection. Avoid glancing around at the other girls surrounding her. Keep your eye contact constant, making it clear that you are interested in her. Even if you can feel her friends' stares, make the girl feel like she's the only one in the room. This will also help you to focus on the task at hand.

Use your body to your advantage. This doesn't mean that you should show off your abs or flex for her. Lean in as you speak and point your feet towards her as positive body language signs.

Ask for what you want. Keep in mind that she's hanging out with her friends now, and not you. Avoid a lengthy lead-up or a prolonged discussion. Make it short and sweet, allowing her to get back to her buddies without delay. For example, try an approach such as, "I wanted to say hi and get your number." Follow this with a brief reason such as, "I've got tickets to a concert next weekend and thought you might like to go with me."

Respect her friends. Smile and say hi before or after you ask. If a friend mocks you or rolls her eyes about your very public ask, don't taunt her back. Focus yourself on your goal and ignore any of her friends' unwanted gestures.

Take out your cell and put her number into your phone immediately. Don't try to remember it on the spot.