Really not much of a field report here.

Currently found myself in the UK (and Europe for the first time ever) and waiting at the Paddington Station in London. Went over to this ticket station to get my ticket, and three tickets popped out. I went to the ticket information centre and asked what platform the train was coming in at. The person didn't know and just instructed me to stand over and look at the panels.

This really cute blonde HB8 in neat black professional office wear was just waiting and I suspected she was waiting for the same information of what platform the train was coming at as well.

Anyway, the three second rule definitely expired. And stood there waiting near her for about 5 minutes wondering when the train was going to come. Suddenly I remembered I had three tickets I had no idea what to do with. I *really* was not in the mood/right mindset to chat, but I told myself that a) you're never gonna see her again and b) you're completely anonymous, just say SOMETHING.

I looked at her, caught her attention in the eye and mentioned:

me: "Have you taken these trains before?" (Canadian accent) her: "no I haven't actually" (super cute british accent) me: "Well, actually maybe you know how to read these tickets" - I then present a bunch, and said I had no idea what I was doing her: she explains it.

and... I just said thanks and ejected myself to stare at the screens some more. I felt stupid for not chatting her up a bit more which really is a non issue for me usually. Turns out she was just sitting on seat behind me, and her seat beside her was empty. I could've just sat right beside her and just strike up a conversation again easily.

I was just listening to some of David Wygants talks and really just realized how foolish I was to not take advantage of the train platform situation or just sitting beside her to chat for the 2 hour train ride.

However, as my excuse, I had my most prized possession, a $1700 Nikon camera stolen from me the night before - I was being a dumb tourist, and had the camera pickpocketed in front of the London Aquarium. Extremely upset, I shut myself down and decided to be less trusting and friendly for the night. It carried over to the day until I saw her, and even then I couldn't get myself out of that slump.

Getting better now, since she was the first person I saw that next morning that I really wanted to make some kinda effort to chat to, albeit only for a minute or two. Otherwise I would still be sulking.

Over and out.