The topic of dating and initiating a date can be very subjective based on individual preferences and culture. Whilst some people feel comfortable taking the initiative and asking someone out, others may prefer to rather be asked out. Regardless the gender, someone has to take the initiative to ask someone out to establish an intimate relationship. Which is completely normal and understandable.
It is extremely important that we respect individuals' preferences on what they prefer or feel comfortable with regarding dating, irrespective of their gender.
However, as a traditional person, I believe a man is solely responsible to ask a woman out, especially in person. A woman can initiate or give hints, but the man should be the one to do the asking.
The reality is that our world is embroiled in a cultural environment where there are specific expectations on gender roles and dating norms. Which is completely normal and safe.
A woman can give a ‘green light’ and still be mindful of the context- a woman can give hints by first establishing a friendship, initiating conversations, and giving a lot of attention, that’ll eventually make the man feel comfortable to ask her out.
Whether you agree with me or not, throughout the world, it is uncommon for a girl to ask a boy out. And the few who do are mostly taken advantage of by pleasure seekers. By nature, women are supposed to be chased by men, and not the other way round.
I don’t resent girls asking boys out, in fact, I admire the courage and confidence of such girls. But I do not recommend that girls should ask boys out.
In my experience, I have had a few (one or two) women express their interest in being in a relationship with me. Even though It was something that I felt proud of, I could still feel something unusual about it.
Normally, I don’t wait for girls to ask me out. I do the asking. Sometimes the feeling is mutual, sometimes not.