By definition we have to:
Applied force: It is the external force that acts directly on a body.
Therefore, we can say that if you have an object and push it towards yourself, you are exerting an external force on the object.
This external force was not acting on the object previously, therefore, it is a force that you are applying at that moment.
Answer:
you exert an Applied Force on an object when you pull it towards you
A. Applied Force