One of the problems I find myself having is being caught off guard. It seems like every time an opportunity “presents itself,” I’m never ready for it. I’m working or thinking about something else, so I say hi, smile etc as an automatic reaction. But by the time I collect myself and realize I should say more than just a greeting, the chance has passed. Usually happens when I’m at work, when I’m headed somewhere and she is too.

One girl who I DID end up getting to know, I ran into three separate times in a 15 minute period before I was prepared to talk. But that doesn’t usually happen.

There’s another who I really want to talk to. Last time I ran into her it was completely out of the blue, and I had my headphones in and was on the way to the gym. She gave me the most sensual “hello” I’ve gotten from anyone I wasn’t literally about to fuck. I managed a “hey” and a flirty smile but by the time it really clicked in my mind, once again I had missed my window.

Any advice to help me be more prepared?