Learning how to get a girl’s number can make the difference between having an active dating life or the romantic relationship you desire and not having any dating life or romantic relationships at all. Next time before you try to get a girl’s number, then, brush up on these 5 sure-fire tips for getting her to hand it over.

Don’t Make a Big Deal Out of It

If you make it seem like your whole world depends on you getting her phone number, all you’re going to do is make her nervous, creep her out, and drive her away. But if you play it low-key, like it’s just a casual question and not a big deal to you whether she says “Yes” or “No” either way, then she won’t feel so pressured by the request and will be more likely to oblige.

Watch Your Timing

With women there’s a right time and a wrong time for everything. Stay keyed into a woman’s sense of timing and you’ll have a much better shot of getting a “Yes” to any question you ask. Pay attention to her emotions at the time you’re thinking of asking and to what she’s doing, for example whether she’s going somewhere or just hanging out.

Give Her Your Number

This is another way to alleviate the pressure on her. Instead of trying to get her number (or if you ask for it and she turns you down) offer to give her your phone number. This puts the ball in her court, something much more palatable to most women. And if she calls you and the conversation goes well, then she’s likely at that point to give you her number. That, or you can copy it down when it shows up on your Caller ID. The only drawback to this method is that she may decide not to call you. And then you’re still out of luck.

Ask for a Date First

This last idea is a more ballsy, high-risk method of trying to get a girl’s phone number, but it’s certainly worth a shot. If she says “Yes”, then you can ask for her number as a way to contact her to make the arrangements or to call her if you need to change your plans. If she says “No”, then you can say, “Well, can I get your phone number at least and give you a call sometime?” And after the high-pressure tactic of trying to land a date, asking for “just” her number may be just enough of a step down to get her to give it to you.