Y'all were right, the hardest part was getting the interaction to start. The rest is all in your head. Here's what happened.

I was at the mall with my bro to check out a few things and I had set out in my head that today would be the first time I attempt a cold approache during the day (i.e. in a non-bar/club setting). Was running out of time because to be honest I couldn't tell if some of the girls were minors or not. Anyways, passed by a perfume store and this hot girl struck my peripheral and I told my bro that she's gonna be the first approach. We went inside checked out some perfumes and then waited for her to be done talking to the worker.

I was nervous as fuck to be honest, 1) never done this before and 2) she was super cute. She looked over 1-2 times as she was waiting for the worker to help her out. It was only 2 workers, her and me in the shop with my bro. I picked up on that and realized this might be easier than I thought. Anyways, I noticed she finished talking, so I walked over and stood near her checking out some stuff and then opened.

"Excuse me, you're cute and I wanted to say hi. Do you have instagram?"

She got flustered and then looked a bit worried, she said "Thank you, I do have instagram but you look too old for me. How old are you?"

I said "I am 29" and then she said "ah ok I am 20". I don't know what I replied anymore but something in agreement to the age gap. She asked me more questions and I replied. Turns out we are from the same city and town. Interaction lasted for probably 2 minutes or so. I didn't really ask her any questions just her instigating (which I believe is a good sign in sets?)

Felt super good afterwards, and I will be doing it again. Now that being said, I am over analyzing what happened but lowkey should be glad I had my first cold approach during day time today with no alcohol involved either.

I did say it was easier than I thought but also I thought I could have been more confident in my open and tone, etc. I asked my bro what he thought he said you looked fine and nothing out of the ordinary.

Not sure where to go from here apart from continuing to approach but I want to refine the skills. Will time and reps alone get me there? I am also listening to some Todd V dating on YT as per one of your recommendations. Trying not to overcomplicate ts cause it was not complicated at all.

Oh and I didn't up getting her IG or number, FYI which is fine I am used to rejections it was more the way I could have steered the convo away from age? Maybe the one thing I could have done better. Was that age thing considered a shit test?

Open for feedback, comments and questions. Cheers lads!