T Square

So I just got back from a date with a hot girl I met through a painting class I was taking (not a university class, but one of those meet-once-a-week-for-fun classes for working stiffs like me). The last day of class we were looking at paintings in a museum. I thought I was getting some signs of interest from her: She kept following me around, I flirted with her and she flirted back, then before she left, she gave me her e-mail and said we should hang out sometime. I set up a coffee date for today to get to know her better. She shows up with her two friends! WHAT!?! I played it cool and joked around a lot while talking to the group. I think I did a good job winning over the group. They were laughing a lot and seemed to like me. At the end of the "date" she said good-bye and made a few references about how we should see each other again. So my question is, what's the deal with her bringing her friends along? Was she trying to tell me she wasn't into me? Was she bringing them along to help check me out and keep her safe if I turned out to be some sort of creepy guy? What do you guys think?

Hey Ross, I've tried similar eye contact experiments before. I found that making eye contact is easier if you start looking at them when the two of you are about 30 feet (10 meters) apart. When do you start looking at them? Do you wait too long? Also, smile before your eyes meet. It shows that you're happy with yourself, and makes you look friendly and easy to approach. Don't worry about looking weird. Everyone looks weird from time to time. I know most people don't smile, but most people don't want to meet new strangers. Remember, if you do what do the same things you've always done, you'll just get the same results.

Hi! I've recently become single again. I'm also a bit of a social coward. Does anyone have any tips that would help a guy build up enough confidence to start asking out girls? Thanks!