Route

Well, basically, beer and faith, love and daisies, socialize with girls, don't become a recluse, what else is there to say. Although, it's easier said than done. And besides, whatever Siever might say, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't meet women. It's just that you shouldn't meet everyone, and not every acquaintance needs to be continued, but there's clearly no harm in asking for a phone number.
By the way, I don't think it was cowardice, but rather fatigue, which prevented him from quickly assessing the situation and thinking things through.