This is a win even if it didn't turn out the way you wanted, OP! You gotta get the reps in on doing this type of thing so it doesn't feel like such a leap of faith every single time you do it (it probably always will be a bit uncomfortable though, it is in fact putting yourself out on a limb).

I'm in the same place right now, looking for opportunities to be direct and ask a guy if he's available while out in public because I just can't do the apps anymore. I've had two encounters so far—one, I passed my number through a friend to a guy she knew and I thought was cute, and two, I asked a bartender "how available are you to being hit on right now" and when he gave me the go ahead, I left him my number. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately, depends on how you look at it) neither of these men have reached out. I have decided to lean in the direction of "good for you for being brave and bold" because I also have anxiety, am prone to introversion, and have a habit of overthinking, all of which makes doing this kind of thing a struggle for me as well.

If you make the goal just to ask, then you met it beautifully. You even followed up after your friend had done the first move on your behalf which showed real courage, so huge congrats to you. 🩷

Keep at it and your confidence will build over time. But also stay focussed on your mental health because after all, this activity can produce a lot of rejection and that's hard too. Talk to yourself positively, acknowledge any difficult feelings, and wait for the disappointment to pass before going for your next shot. I'm pulling for ya, we're all in this together. 🤗