Is there ever a suitable time to strike up a conversation with someone in public? by Lisa
While we’ve grown used to maintaining our distance due to the pandemic, the transition from in-person to digital interactions, particularly in the dating scene, began much earlier. The digital dating landscape, with its swipes and online profiles, has its advantages, such as safety and the ability to screen potential partners. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as cyberflashing and catfishing.
When was the last time you flirted with someone face-to-face, or had someone do the same with you? Is this something we should long for? Are there benefits to meeting someone spontaneously in person? Camille Virginia, an offline dating coach and author of The Offline Dating Method, believes so. She argues that meeting someone in person can be more enjoyable and informative. You can learn more about a person’s true self in a few seconds of face-to-face interaction than you can in weeks of online chatting. Body language, she points out, can convey more subtleties than any digital message.
However, the practice of approaching strangers in person doesn’t have the best reputation. Is it even suitable? Is it a tactic best left to dubious pickup artists on social media, or is there still room for a bit of serendipity? Camille, who primarily coaches single women, assures that her clients do want men to approach them. She notes that we’re all craving connection, but we’re also socially awkward and unsure how to handle it when it happens.
When engaging with someone you’ve just met, don’t treat it as a pickup attempt. That can come across as desperate or creepy. Your aim should be to establish a connection and see where it leads. In this era of heightened awareness about personal boundaries, it’s important to approach interactions with empathy and thoughtfulness. Ensure you’re in a public, well-lit place where the other person can easily leave if they’re not interested. And never ask someone to remove their headphones to talk to you. So, once you’ve considered these factors, what should you say? That’s the next step in navigating the world of offline dating.