My turn to ask for advice for a change...

[TwisttheLeaf]

Like others, I echo Camfer's advice. It's very good. You might even go so far in your invitation to -ask- where he takes his coffee (since it sounds like there's a coffee culture there to work with).

As for while, which most seem to have skipped. Perhaps he was in a relationship for a portion of all those years? Or perhaps you've..... grown on him over time to where he's now at a point where he has finally drummed up the courage to approach. Maybe he overheard you saying something that sparked his interest and garnered his notice. Hell, maybe his "gaydar" missed you all these years until you did some subtle thing that he caught and noticed... and -realized-, yeah?

It's hard saying. But since he -is- interested, I'd say go with it.

[jimcrackcorn]

:eek:

Ha Ha Ha,,,,, If he brings a meat cleaver on the first date - RUN!!!!!..

[strider65]

well, I am on the other side of the world from ya'll in hillbilly heaven, but I'll throw my 2 cents in...

I would say, approach him. Ask him out for coffee or for a movie. It will bother you more if you sit and wonder "what if I had..."

all he can do is say 'no' which is better than wondering, eh?

good luck brother!

[Camfer]

Aerobics class is tomorrow! Not that he needed a reminder.

Everyone's rooting for you, [MENTION=20947]MikeW[/MENTION]!

[SilverBullet]

Well personally, I would not worry about why as there are a ton of possible reasons and no matter how much you analyze you may miss something and be completely wrong. I would simply wait till the end of class and lag behind, give you and him a chance in a less crowded room and if he doesn't take the bait I would later offer a coffee date. But if your worried about being gruff or something just be mindfull of what you say or if you cant say anything good then perhaps stay silent. :p

[East]

I don't think that at least some, if not most, of the people who walk in and out of our lives are as random as they seem to be....and so I advocate and regularly walk through most any door I see open if I am drawn to it as I see it all as part of a bigger path....

With that reference...it seems he has opened a door for you...maybe not before because it wasn't the right time...or he hadn't found the door himself yet...

So...have a seat on the porch first...and just talk about anything that you happen be thinking about...like you would a colleague or friend you enjoyed the company of. Maybe try the Mary Hartman approach...off the wall observations to break the ice....

Getting to know him along the way might be the best part....it is rarely about the destination anyway.....it is way more about the journey....

I think if you approach it like that...everything will progress nicely...and naturally...if you are open to it...

..and it seems like you are...so the only question to ask yourself is..ARE you open to it? If so....stay natural!...and just be who you are which includes letting your "freak flag fly" if you feel so inclined. Much to the horror of those around me until they get used to it...I like to lead with my freak flag....LOL ...it kills like 100 birds with one stone...why waste such a valuable asset?

... and [MENTION=20941]Camfer[/MENTION] has some great advice as do a lot of other people here....

Good Luck!

[Bookworm]

I don't think that at least some, if not most, of the people who walk in and out of our lives are as random as they seem to be....and so I advocate and regularly walk through most any door I see open if I am drawn to it as I see it all as part of a bigger path....

I totally agree East mile:

Mike, I'd certainly see where this goes, even if its just an initial coffee and chat. He seems to want to be registering on your radar. You have a very discerning eye I think and you're not getting any bad vibes from what I can tell so go with the flow and just see how it progresses.

You can lock the introvert up for a time mile:

[MikeW]

....You can lock the introvert up for a time mile:

Ummm... so sure are you?

[MikeW]

Aerobics class is tomorrow! Not that he needed a reminder.

Everyone's rooting for you, [MENTION=20947]MikeW[/MENTION]!

LOL... Not sure how I feel about having a cheering squad.

Yeah, for sure, I'll probably see him again today in class. But whether or not we'll do more than nod a howdy-do, is TBD.

[SilverBullet]

whether or not you wanted it you got a cheering squad! You are a tiger! Not intimidated by this lowly man who seeks your presence and he should be lucky you give him the time of day! We all have faith in you!! :p

Alright, now, go forth, have coffee (or w/e) and conquer this guy!
I would say keep us informed of how it goes but since there is no chance of failure, I will instead ask that you keep us informed of how WELL it goes!