Playing into stereotypes such as "men have to be the first to ask out" just harms your self-esteem and hurts you in the long run.

Go out there and make friends. Women who like you will make it obvious. Women who don't... will just be friends. Nothing is more annoying than a man (or woman) who badgers you for a relationship when you have shown zero interest. Besides, using the friend method can lead you to an unexpected relationship with someone who you never imagined you would love in the first place.