Plan B said:
A1-can you elaborate on the right places, whether they be coffee shops, lineups, grocery stores, because I find that approaching without a context brings about less than 10% chance of success.
A 10% chance would be about right, and that is not too bad. Think of it this way, at my age many women are married or in relationships, lets say (guessing here) about 50%. That right off the bat takes away half of your chances. Another way to look at it is now your chances are 1 in 4. Not bad odds there at all. I meet people wherever I am, not necessarily to pick up, but just by talking you have given yourself a chance that you did not have if you remained silent.
Think of this, if you go out looking to pick up you will probably fail, as you send out the wrong vibe right off the start. If you go out looking to talk to someone, all pressure is off. Big difference. I have (met) people in the following locations.
GO train
Night school
Busy coffee shop (asked if I could sit at the table)
Book store
Hospital waiting room (excellent place BTW). Boring as hell and outdated mags.
Grocery store
Cooking class
House party
Library
Jazz club
Bank line up
Christmas shopping
Over the years, all have resulted in at least one date. In most circumstances, I was not looking to get a date out of it, I just ended up asking for the hell of it. For the record, I have been brushed off in all of those places as well. I can't stress this enough, if you find someone interesting and appealing, talk to them and be genuine. That is all there is to it, really! If you do not make getting a date a priority, you cannot strike out and you can leave with your esteem intact. Every single woman in the world is a potential date, think of it that way.
Oh, and put yourself in the womans shoes for a minute. If women approached you, (I'm not saying they don't), how many would you want to date out of them, especially ones who started with a cheesy pick up line? Start by saying hello, and making small talk. You will know in the first few seconds if the conversation is going to progress. Again if it does, brilliant! If not, you got some practice in.
Hints:
Stand tall
(Try) not to be shy
Use manners
Don't use a pick up line
Know what you are talking about
Ask open ended questions
Listen carefully
No cheesy compliments
Look for body language
Smile
No deep discussion topics
No insults
No bad jokes
Show respect for everyone
Dress nicely
Groom properly
Do not touch her
Have a get away plan
Have fun (it is just a 'game' after all)
Again, it really is that simple.