pickup by proxy

i had a guy try to pick me up for his friend yet again on friday. as in, "my friend thinks you're cute but is too shy/scared/lordknowswhat to talk to you himself." WHY DOES THIS PERSIST IN HAPPENING? a poll of the girls i was with says that it's uncommon for anyone except me. but at least 50% of the men who talk to me do so, ostensibly, for someone else. it's at the point where i would REALLY like to know why. what is it about me that makes me, apparently, attractive, but not quiiiiite attractive enough?

i must say that this tends to make me lose respect for people. i mean, it's been a hell of a long time since 6th grade. what is wrong with you, or me, or both of us, that you can't just attempt a conversation yourself? or are your friends just idiots?

this is one of the mysteries of my universe.