They say it is harder for guys to ask for directions.
I was at the climbing gym today, and a particular guy caught my eye. I wanted to watch him climb, and yet not seem weird. I continued with my climbing routine, but kind of kept stealing glances, and I think maybe he noticed. The gym is in the shape of a circle.
My routine is to go around the circle. Near the end of my routine, I happened upon a route that my man and the lady he was with were sitting close to, So, I asked them to watch out ere I would fall and crash upon them. They politely moved to the other pad, though I never fell.
After that we shared some Beta. So to say, I had further made his acquaintance discussing a C.5 we were both working on, and another climber with a tuque and a grey beard- a long one and very full- offered some advice as well.
Then, they climbed one and I climbed another. Therewith, I suggested that we all go look at a steep C.4. I had been working on for a few weeks and I was hoping, perhaps, they could enlighten me on how to finally ascend it. However, after looking at it they decided not to try it, despite the favourable grade. Therefore, I could gather no clues from their endeavours.
Alas, I jumped forward to try it at once with them both looking on. Lo and behold, their audience helped me to give my best effort yet, however not quite to the top could I ascend. They consolidated me with some encouraging remarks, and I was glad for their company.
Hence I realised, I could simply have asked from the outset, 'Excuse me, can you please cheer me on?'
