Chapter 10 — Neutral
Short replies, shy replies, unclear interest.
Neutral responses are common. She might be shy, cautious, or genuinely unsure. Don't push. Give her space. Ask light questions. If she stays neutral after a few exchanges, she might not be interested—but sometimes she just needs time to warm up.
Short, One-Word Replies
Her: Sí.
Word-by-word: Yes.
Natural English: Yes.
Your reply: ¿Eres de aquí?
Word-by-word: Are-you from here?
Natural English: Are you from here?
Why: Open-ended question that requires more than one word.
Shy or Reserved
Her: No mucho.
Word-by-word: Not much.
Natural English: Not much.
Your reply: ¿Prefieres que te deje en paz?
Word-by-word: Do-you-prefer that to-you I-leave in peace?
Natural English: Do you prefer I leave you alone?
Why: Shows respect. If she says yes, respect it. If she says no, continue gently.
Unclear Interest
Her: No sé.
Word-by-word: Not I-know.
Natural English: I don't know.
Your reply: Vale, sin problema. ¿Qué te gusta hacer en tu tiempo libre?
Word-by-word: Okay, without problem. What to-you it-likes to-do in your time free?
Natural English: Okay, no problem. What do you like to do in your free time?
Why: Changes the topic to something easier to answer.
Polite but Distant
Her: Gracias.
Word-by-word: Thanks.
Natural English: Thanks.
Your reply: ¿Te puedo hacer una pregunta?
Word-by-word: To-you can-I to-make a question?
Natural English: Can I ask you a question?
Why: Creates engagement. If she says yes, ask something light and personal.
She Answers but Doesn't Ask Back
Her: Soy de [lugar].
Word-by-word: I-am from [place].
Natural English: I'm from [place].
Your reply: Interesante. ¿Qué tal es vivir ahí?
Word-by-word: Interesting. What such is to-live there?
Natural English: Interesting. What's it like living there?
Why: Keeps the conversation going without being pushy.
She Seems Nervous
Her: [Silence or very quiet]
Your reply: No te preocupes, solo quería conocerte. ¿Está bien?
Word-by-word: Not to-you worry, only I-wanted to-meet-you. Is-it okay?
Natural English: Don't worry, I just wanted to meet you. Is that okay?
Why: Acknowledges her nervousness and gives her control.
Key Points
- Don't take neutral responses personally—she might be shy or cautious
- Ask open-ended questions that require more than yes/no
- Give her space—don't crowd her or stand too close
- If she stays neutral after 3-4 exchanges, she might not be interested
- Respect her boundaries—if she seems uncomfortable, back off
- Sometimes neutral responses warm up—give it a few minutes
- If you're unsure, ask directly: "¿Te molesta que hable contigo?" (Does it bother you that I'm talking to you?)