What's Your Thought Process Before Approaching a Stranger?
A bit of context: I live in Western Europe, where striking up a conversation with a stranger is not as common as in the US.
A couple of months ago, my relationship ended, and I finally feel ready to start dating again.
That said, I don't really want to rely on dating apps. I've used them before, but the quality of my matches just isn't what it used to be before my last relationship.
I'd much rather meet someone the old fashioned way, whether that's at a bar, in the supermarket, at the train station, or just somewhere during everyday life. The problem is that I've never approached someone outside of a house party.
Over the past few weeks, I've noticed women at the train station or in the supermarket who caught my attention or simply seemed genuinely interesting. But every time, I had no idea how to start a conversation without making them feel uncomfortable.
I know there isn't one perfect line that works in every situation, but I think it helps to have a general thought process or framework to fall back on.
So my question is: What actually goes through your mind before you approach a woman? What's your thought process, and how do you decide what you're going to say?