I don't think that this is hard and true a lot of people become creepy after the rejection because they feel that they need to get what they want and are willing to do anything to get there. Another side that is scary though is what happens after being rejected especially if the person who rejected you was a friend. I recently did this. I got rejected and I was ok with that but this also increased the tension between us. I still want to be friends with her but she probably doesn't as she is always uncomfortable when it comes to interacting with me in any way be it in chat or in person. To me, she was a friend first and I didn't really care about about the romantic side of it all but when it developed and I told her, it seemed to have spoilt everything. It is this possibility that makes me really hesitant to approach anyone anymore. Memories from that rejection and the image she has of me now just make me wanna bury myself lol. But in all seriousness, you have a point. I think asking really lifts a lot of burden and explorers the possibility. I too believe it is necessary. It is just really scary.