Asking for a number

Whether you were introduced by friends, ran into one another on the street, or met at a party, if you want to get in touch in the future, you’re either going to have to depend on blind fate or you’re going to have to get a number: a phone number, a street address, an e-mail address, a business card, or something. (I know there’s always the mutual friend route, but you’re not in 7th grade any more – I hope. Plus if you contact the other person directly, you get a lot more – and more reliable – information.)

There are only a limited number of reasons why you might ask for a phone number:

You want to call the person.
You’re not sure whether you want to call the person but want the number just in case.
You know you don’t want to call, but you don’t want to appear rude.