http://www.scenesouth.co.uk/_images/misc/headers/single.jpg Ash Bolton takes advantage of the fact Julian is on holiday and e-mails Sally for some relationship advice.

From: Ash Bolton
To : Sally Churchward
Sent : Monday, January 21, 2008
9.48 AM

All right Sally, between you, me and several thousand readers, I’ve been out for a few drinks with somebody we shall refer to as Miss X who is a friend from years ago I got back in contact with through Facebook. She’s single and pretty and we have been going out for a few drinks recently as we are both single. Any advice on how to go from “charming male friend” to “irresistible lover”
without looking a complete idiot? We are also going out for dinner next week and she suggested going on a weekend away in a few months if we are both still single. Do you think she is interested or just wants to be mates?


From : Sally Churchward
To : Ash Bolton
Sent : Monday, January 21, 2008
10.07 AM

I’d say it’s unlikely she just wants to be mates. She might well be wondering why the hell you haven’t made a move yet! Women tend to analyse things more than men so,
for instance, she’d be wary about giving you come-on signals if she only wanted you as a friend. Not that a single woman being friendly automatically means she’s romantically interested. But whereas old platonic friends of the opposite sex might go on trips together I don’t think new ones do – unless there’s more to it. Have you tried to make any sort of moves yet?


From : Ash Bolton
To : Sally Churchward
Sent : Monday, January 21, 2008
10.33 AM

No I haven't made a move yet. I was going to see how this meal went first as we are both going to be drinking and then going out afterwards into town. If it does go pear-shaped then at least I can blame the drink. You might be right about the whole holiday thing, though. I personally wouldn’t go on holiday with anyone I didn’t fancy, but then again I’m pretty sure that’s a bloke thing. So, do you think I should wait until after the meal/drinks?


From : Sally Churchward
To : Ash Bolton
Sent : Monday, January 21, 2008
11.15 AM

I reckon you should make some sort of move next time you see her. I’m not suggesting you move in for a full snog but, for instance, touch her arm to emphasise a point you’re making and see how she responds. There’s a chance she sees you as a good mate and you don’t want to crash and burn, so try upping the ante a little with a bit of flirtatious banter, helping her on with her coat, giving her a good night kiss on the cheek and see if she responds encouragingly or pulls away. I think it’s probably best not to let it rumble on for ages not knowing which way it’s going.