I told my friend that I want us to start cold approaching and he was down for it until we got to the mall and he made every excuse in the book to not do it so I'm just gonna go alone next time.

I actually hired a dating coach a few years ago and he told me to go up to girls at the mall and ask them if I look more Irish or Italian. I thought it sounded dumb but it was enough to peek their interest even tho the conversations fizzled out after they answered the question. I can't get in touch with that couch so I can't call him up again but I learned at that point that I can almost say anything to open up a conversation as long as it isn't something too boring or weird.

So basically my few questions are what are some openers that you've used in the past that have worked and when you are approaching in a mall type setting how long do you chat with them? Is it better to introduce yourself, ask a question or 2, get the number and walk off? When is the best time to text or call them?

Also do direct approaches work well as in just going up to them, telling them you find them attractive and asking them out to a drink or something?