Really not the type to even post something like this, but hoping it helps others as well as myself for really shaping a better mindset and perhaps taking more action in the future. At any rate, here we go...

Been reading this sub a bit and watching some material on YouTube. Also have gone through some of the typical books that are recommended. I found myself last year making awesome progress which really came in the form of confidence and living a more social life. However, I moved to a smaller town and got busy with work and felt like I really lost a lot of that progress I worked pretty hard for. I've committed to improving the past month or so and I wouldn't say that really has any hard numbers associated with it or even specifics. I can tell when I'm living a social and forward lifestyle and when I'm not.

Fast forward to yesterday - I leave the house to kill some time fishing. Literally no expectations, but end up talking to a bunch of older tourists who are asking about various things. Kind of gets me in the social mood I suppose, but I also had some conference calls and a good workout so it's been a decent day. Bite is slow and I say forget it and just go for a walk on the beach. See an attractive woman digging through the sand when her dog runs up to me. Laugh, pet rover, and ask her what she's looking for. Turns out it is shark teeth. I ask what one looks like, since I've never found one. End up looking together for a few minutes and find some while making small talk. At the end I'm feeling good so I offer to trade my haul and she is curious on the cost. Just her number. She laughs, puts it in my phone, but tells me she has a boyfriend. We texted a bit and I figure if nothing else, perhaps it's an entry into a new social circle.

I mostly wanted to share this story because I know for me a lot of times I'll go out pretty much with the sole intent of trying to approach and I struggle with it. My two prior approaches (which I number closed) were at the gym (class-based if that matters) and at a brewery (that a new friend had not been to yet and I was excited to take him there). It's got me thinking that just going about my normal course of life (which obviously does need to be 'out there' and not stuck inside) is better than intentionally randomly walking the streets/parks/bars. I'm sure that is not earth-shattering information for a lot of people, but maybe some need to hear it.

TL;DR - You can approach anyone, anywhere. Including chicks digging for shark teeth