Girls Asking Out Guys?

Do you guys prefer to ask out girls yourself, or have them ask you out? Same for girls- do you like guys asking you out or do you prefer to take the initiative? In the past whenever there were guys that I was interested in I would just end up trying to become close friends with them and hope they might reciprocate my feelings/hope for the best. ;u; neverworkedhaha Now looking back, I completely regret doing this and just wish I could have straight out asked them out rather than ponder what they would think of me if they didn't reciprocate my feelings, or be seen as "desperate" or "thirsty" (or whatever slang people are using these days). Though there's no one in particular I'm thinking of, now that I want to more actively seek out a relationship I do want to stop being so insecure about this. I think expecting a guy to take the first initiative is a fairly outdated mindset to have and yet I can't manage to ask out anyone myself. Anyway, what are MaiOtaku's opinions on this? What experiences have you guys had?

I dont mind if a woman asks but I prefer to be the one to ask. I think its just the old ways that my mom and dad made sure they forced me to do as I was growing up. That coming from a military and highly religious family. But still I dont think I have ever given a girl a chance to ask me because I can always notice those little things that women do that means they like you.

Girl ask me. I'm terrible when thinking if someone likes me, so if they make the first move and ask, it's usually a lot less embarrassing

Either. I hate the social thing where it's the man's responsibility to ask. I mean, if you like the guy, you can ask too. I've had it happen, but then again it was mutual. Just because a guy doesn't make a move doesn't mean he has no interest. You want equality? Make it so. And yes, it's somewhat demeaning to think it's the guy's responsibility solely to take initiative. Sure, one should know what they want and go for it, but that's a two way street. I like a woman who takes charge, too.

I find that most of the time I have to tell the other person how I feel. I wish people could read my flirtatious actions and take the initiative. Or maybe I just like men who are shy. haha