Dear Abby: I can never tell if a woman is just being friendly or if she’s romantically interested in me

DEAR ABBY: I am a single man in good health. I’m intelligent, friendly, funny and have been told by more than one woman that I don’t look my age. But I do have one exasperating personality trait. I can’t tell whether a woman is just friendly or romantically interested in me. I have no clue. None.

I met a very attractive single woman, relatively close to my age, a couple years ago. Over time, she has seemingly become more enthusiastic about saying hello to me when I visit her workplace to deliver items every week. She always smiles when we speak to each other. Conversations have gone from short and clipped to longer and more personal. I like her very much.

How can I tell if a mature woman is flirting with me or just being personable? She often works small compliments about me into our conversations. I want to ask her straight out if she is flirting, but if she says no, I’d be very embarrassed. I need your good advice. — CLUELESS IN MICHIGAN

DEAR CLUELESS: If the woman didn’t like you, she would keep those conversations short and strictly business. Do not ask her if she is flirting. DO ask if she’d like to have lunch sometime because your conversations are always too short. If she says yes, you will know your interest in her is reciprocated.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.