[misiti3780]

i agree - i think it is important to not look at your phone or a tv (when you are out), the reason you are out is to presumably meet people and have fun. the easiest way to avoid this issue in my experience is

* make sure the bars you go in are crowded.

* given (1), always look for a long line for a drink, it gives you a lot of time to start a convo

* never sit down, always be standing (makes it it easier for people to approach you)

* go out later at night, people are more intoxicated and are more willing to talk (for better or for worse)

if a random person asks me if i am alone these days, i usually just tell them i am waiting for a friend that is running late and they drop it - but if i follow that check list, i never run into that situation anymore anyways.

I hate sports and dont follow them so I can never use them as a conversation starter. i live in NYC and this works in the Lower East Side / East Village / West Village - San Fran might be tougher - not sure