Interpreting words and actions

Soliciting views and opinions here, esp from a guy's perspective:

If a guy was to ask a gal if she likes him, what is the guy's motive or mentality?

What if it was asked in a joking manner?

I have JUST realised that i may have missed a chance, depending on the answer to the above question.

Just for interest's sake, what should a gal answer in the same situation? take it that the gal likes the guy, but obviously being gals, we weren't want to be in such a 'throw face' situation that we answer 'yes'. so how?

Shldn't such a question not be asked in the 1st place? I mean, it got me tinking that the guy is very egoistic and think very highly of himself!

in any case, it doesn't matter animore since tis happened more than a yr ago.

haiz...regrets...=*)