Well, not to go all psychobabble here, but the terms "low self-esteem" and "fear of rejection" come to mind.
I say again, subtleties schmubtleties, say what you want and, most likely, you'll get it!
I don't think that fear of rejection is it. I have no problem asking women out when I'm attracted to them. Low self-esteem? I don't know. Doesn't really ring true. I mean, I try to be humble, but it's not like I think I'm unworthy of being loved or some sad bastard thing like that.
Maybe it just has to do with perspective. It's easier to observe and evaluate people's reactions to one another from a distance than to interpret people's reactions to yourself. That sort of thing. Maybe deep down I prefer not knowing, because then they have to pursue me, and it feels good to be pursued. Maybe I'm talking more about other people than about myself.
In reality, I know that you're all in love with me.
It's not that I hate you. It's just that I'm a much better person than you.