If you follow The Rules or otherwise take up space in this society, you know it is the man who chases the woman. The man exerts himself, lives in agonies of indecision, and initiates contact with the female of the species. He plans, schemes, and experiences rejection. If he wants a relationship, he just has to keep trying. For guys without balls of steel, it can get to be frustrating.

But for one day every four years, nature turns itself inside out, and men finally get a break: Sadie Hawkins day. As a shy single guy, I wholeheartedly approve, and feel it’s my mission to make sure as many women as possible know about this great and necessary tradition.

According to legend, St. Bridget was once faced with serious unrest at her nunnery because the women there were prohibited by law from proposing marriage to men. (At that time, the vow of chastity for nuns was not expected to be permanent.) Bridget complained to St. Patrick about this and asked that something be done. Patrick offered her a relaxation of the law once in every seven years. Bridget refused, saying that this was too long for the women to wait. He is then reported to have offered her one day every four years, Leap Day.

On the next February 29^th, Bridget proposed to St. Patrick himself. She was turned down, but got a silk gown for her troubles.

A Scottish law from the (leap) year1228 gave women on leap day the "libertie to speak ye man she likes. Gif he refuses to tak her to bee his wyf, he shale be mulct in the sum of ane hundrity pundes..."

The day takes its current name from cartoonist Al Capp, whose Dogpatch bachelors were besieged once a year by Sadie Hawkins, an unappealing but persistent spinster. On this day, variously recorded as November 1 or November 9, the single women of Dogpatch would attempt to hunt down the unattached men of the town, and could marry what they could catch. Although Capp perhaps in keeping with common prejudice, depicted the event as decent fellows mercilessly, something about it caught on.

No one seems to know how the two traditions became merged, but Sadie Hawkins Day is now generally accepted as February 29.

Women, how often have you wondered whether a guy you like is interested in you or not? If he doesn’t just walk up and ask you out, will you ever know for sure? He could be shy, he could think you’re out of his league, or that you’d just shoot him down. Probably most of the good unattached men out there are shy; if you’re interested and you know he’s straight and unattached, it’s probably worth your while to give it a shot.

Why should women consider making the first move? If you’re happy with the quality of men asking you out, then maybe you shouldn’t. Otherwise, there are a lot of reasons. First, many to most desirable unattached men have difficulty approaching women. It’s hard to ask women out, especially if you’ve been shot down before. You’ve got to lay yourself on the line to someone who is used to the attention, and who probably doesn’t want to be bothered. It can get depressing. On the other hand, if a woman asks a man out, it’s an event that doesn’t happen very often, and is very flattering. That alone gives you a better shot.

Shy guys are more considerate and try harder to please. They are more aware how they appear to other people, and ready to admit their faults. They’re also less likely to cheat on you: if they can’t get up the nerve to approach women, they probably won’t wind up in bed with them. Overconfident guys are much more likely to be jerks and wear too much cologne.

It’s really easy: if a guy looks at you twice, or for a second or two longer than necessary, he’s interested, and probably won’t turn you down.

What a concept: women pursue men. Just turning things around once in a while can be so therapeutic. And it makes perfect sense: women know what they want, have lots of experience being asked out; and are probably better at the whole thing than we men will ever be. You might be surprised. Of course, there is a potential downside to asking a guy out, but, all in all, it’s a good idea. According to one source, women making the first move succeed 87% of the time.

So, now you know. Guys, get ready.