Hanging out cycle

Not the rarest way for hanging out to proceed:

Step 1: I like Bob.

Step 2: Bob wants to hang out. Inference: Bob likes me!

Step 3: Happiness

Step 4: Hanging out.

Step 5: Oh dear. What are the chances that someone talked to me for several hours and I didn’t say at least ten incredibly foolish and embarrassing things, that would make any half-reasonable person dislike me? Basically zero. Inference: Bob dislikes me. Alas, it was so promising.

Step 6: Sadness

Step 7: Bob asks me to hang out. Or, in spite of doubts, I ask Bob to hang out, and Bob seems enthusiastic.

Step 8: Confusion and joy. Return to step 3.

***

Perversely, the best hope for lasting happiness is if massive logistical barriers repeatedly prevent hanging out, keeping the process at Step 3.