I used to cheer on my friend's basketball team, not preferring to play myself. One day, early in the season, the team grew to include a tall, dark haired, elite basketball player. He was both skilled and thoughtful, searching for open players to pass the ball to rather than hogging shots he could have drained. He was here to ensure each player had an equal chance. In choosing not to shine, he shone.

I "accidentally" started sitting near his belongings when I watched the game, hoping he would take the hint and talk to me. But when he came to collect after a game, his face turned a little more red than exertion could explain, and practically fled the gym. Things came to a head a few weeks later when he ran into a table of my friends one night and said hello to everyone but me, steadfastly avoiding eye contact. What was this guy's problem?! I did the only logical thing; I asked him to hang out with my group of friends that night. He braved my girl group, and off we went!

M&B