So, I've done a few cold approaches recently, in places like supermarkets. I don't stop people on the street but in supermarkets, it's easier to make a joke about what they're doing. Coffee shops feel awkward because if it doesn't go well, you're both kind of just sitting there. My gym doesn't feel right either, I feel like women are on high alert for creeps there.

However, I find most people very stand-off-ish. Like they think I'm selling something or they're annoyed at being interrupted.

I was even looking at a woman for genuinely 2 seconds to see if she was my type, had a ring on etc, and she looked at me and said "what are you looking at?" in a loud voice.

I feel in this day and age, women are really on edge and just looking to say something is unacceptable, or creepy, even if I've literally just said hello. The act of approaching seems to just be called creepy now.

Also, I'm in my 30s, just out of a long term marriage etc. I'm not sure if my age is contributing to things. I don't know the ages of women I'm talking to but I'd guess late 20s so maybe people see me as an older creep?

Anyone got any advice, or any success stories from the UK? I feel like the UK is different to the US.