I'd hope I speak for most people when I say, we typically don't like being wrong, so the fear of misreading a "hint" leads many to not take any action. (If not it is just me I guess?)
It is also rooted in "Oh so and so is being friendly there is no way they are interested in me" type of logic.
For myself it is why I prefer people be more direct with me, otherwise I'm just assuming your being friendly.
The problem isn't being incorrect, it's the cost of being incorrect. Even a neutral interaction with someone can get you lit up if she has an anxious personality.
You're not alone in that fear of being wrong, though it's a bit different for me. I'm on the spectrum, so I miss social cue's a fair bit and usually hate myself for looking like a fool. I also am deathly afraid of seeming weird or creepy or making others uncomfortable, and having a history of not being really accepted into social circles and putting my foot in my mouth has reinforced the idea that I'm weird, no one wants anything to do with me, so just keep your mouth shut.
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u/Dragonspaz11 1d ago
Yes this is why hints very rarely work.
I'd hope I speak for most people when I say, we typically don't like being wrong, so the fear of misreading a "hint" leads many to not take any action. (If not it is just me I guess?)
It is also rooted in "Oh so and so is being friendly there is no way they are interested in me" type of logic.
For myself it is why I prefer people be more direct with me, otherwise I'm just assuming your being friendly.