[kenneth]

In a non-creepy way. Probably not on the street, but sure anywhere out where people might be social and open to striking up a conversation (bar, restaurant, park, class, whatever). Don't make it an "approach," just strike up a conversation and if you hit it off, connect so you can develop something.

[tidenly]

Maybe this is a generational thing, but outside of clubbing there is basically no situation I'm regularly in where it would not be weird for me to randomly strike up a conversation with a stranger.

[kenneth]

Clubs are probably one of the worst place to meet people. No way to really converse and the best you can hope for is to meet someone drunk who wants to fuck. Not ideal for actually meeting people.

Most people are actually quite friendly and open to chatting. Talk to the people around you at bars, restaurants, parks. Offer to help people. Conversations happen naturally, just be open and confident. If you struggle with that, maybe some more structured group activities help break the ice (e.g. attend a class, sport, volunteer somewhere, etc.)

[mPReDiToR]

I'm male, 45, and in the UK.

If I'm shopping I'll smile and say "thanks" for any little consideration (moving aside, putting a "between shoppers bar" on the conveyor, holding a door, etc.), and when waiting for something I'll say something "chit chatty" to the person next to me, male or female, old or young. Sometimes it will be met with a conversation, mostly a polite reply but no chat, others will be shocked that a stranger spoke to them.

Anything can be used as a conversational gambit. I think "how about dem Yankees?" comes from an old film.

The point is that it doesn't cost anything to be rebuffed. Being open, approachable, and friendly is worth learning.

Not being creepy, slimy, or a Lounge Lizard helps. Just speak to people.

[tidenly]

Fellow Brit! I'm 28 and in Japan. Point taken, though being gay it is harder to find which people are within my dating pool - and the risk when rejected is much higher if the guys gonna deck me in the face. I'm only playing devils advocate anyway, I met the guy I'm "dating" right now at a friends birthday party, so I can't knock the classic method.

[toyg]

Surprisedpikachu.jpg

The gay community is famously promiscuous (it’s not just hearsay, there are clear stats). I have several gay friends and none of them has ever struggled finding either occasional or stable relationships. They definitely never felt forced to strike a conversation with random people off the streets just to find a partner. If anything, they always joked that us “heteros” are illogically self-restricting when looking for sex and relationships.

[theonemind]

It's probably weird when anybody does it in most of those contexts. Just be attractive and the other party will get over it.