Could it be that depending on the woman of course, that many still see a woman approaching a guy as a sign of desperation or inadequacy, whereas for the guys, initiating is considered a sign of true "manhood"
? They instinctively think if she's worth it, then it's me who should be approaching her, not the other way around. There's this belief in our culture today that the person asking or initiating is automatically in some kind of begging position, has more to prove or more to lose. So, we treat them as if they are in a lower or less advantageous position than we are. Many men still instinctively think they should approach even if they don't want to or feel nervous, and prefer the idea of initiating. However, depending on their interest in the person, they will perceive her actions differently. If they're not attracted, but she doesn't know it and approaches, then she's perceived as desperate or a turn off. If he is attracted to her, and she approaches, then he may see this as having the upper hand, and may want to use the opportunity to play a game, to maintain what he sees as his advantage with the decision to accept or reject. If you know the person well and you're comfortable with each other, then it may be considered more normal and not that big a deal to initiate something because there is a sense of understanding and acceptance between you.
