Dear Miss Emily:

Hi, I just got out of a year long relationship and I've been looking to get back on the horse. There is one girl I'd like to ask out, but I have no idea if she feels the same way. She tells me she has a crush on a boy who's cute and fun to hangout with, and is also a musician. It could be me, but it could also not be me. She has hugged me for ten minutes straight because she was cold and, one time, when she left school, she said good-bye to me and kissed her hand -- then rubbed my cheek with it! I am horrible with hints and thought you could help me out on this one. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

--------------------------Miss Emily's advice------------------------

There seems to be enough indication that she likes you, but I've lived long enough to know there are no guarantees. She might just think you're the sweetest guy and, therefore, is affectionate to you the way a female friend might be. If she said she has a crush on a boy who is a musician, and that could be you -- well, I have a tendency to think that's not the case. But, again, how could you, or I really know what's going through her head. We would have to be mind readers. I think you should ask her out. It's a pretty normal thing to do, and if she declines, so be it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If she were to decline, this doesn't have to be an ego destroyer. People have different likes, and dislikes (as you do, of course), and you might not fit her romantic ideal. Make it a casual date. Ask her to a movie, or a holiday outing. Again, if she declines, the answer to this dilemma is solved, and you can go on with your life -- and to another girl!