By Nita, 40, from OK:

This is a follow up to my earlier email about asking a man (professional who has an office in my building) to lunch. Using your advice to take things slow, I asked him to lunch. Since I was not specific on a day (I wanted him to choose), he surprisingly addressed me by my first name. (we've not been introduced - it appears he has asked someone who I am - I hope I can take this as a sign he may be interested). I need your additional advice. He said "lunch will be fun and thanks for the invitation." Then he replied, "my schedule is very full right now, can we get together after exams" (end of term is in 2 weeks). He has my contact information (phone/email). Should I wait for him to contact me? Or should I invite him again at the end of the term?

Your advice in the earlier email about being in a work related environment and taking things slow is helpful. How can I let him know I'm interested in getting to know him outside the work environment?

VictorM's advice:

You should wait for the period he asked for. Have lunch with him first before you let him know of your interest (who knows, if he chews with his mouth wide open or exhibit some other annoying habit, you may not be so eager to get to know him further). But if all goes well it's quite likely that "we should do this again" will come up. This will be your opportunity to say you'd like to see him again.

One way to not lose contact and yet not appear too eager, is to say something like "someone told me that [insert the name of a restaurant] is very nice. What do you think about us going there?" But frankly, you've made the invitation and he's replied with a time frame that seems reasonable. Let this play out first to see where it will lead.