Thanks for the support. That’s great you’ve met someone you like. I definitely agree about finding a balance between not rushing things and equally making sure it does progress.

I’ve put a lot of thought into the question of ‘do opposites attract when it comes to dating’ and I think as with any relationship, it can if both parties embrace it and work at it. It’s clearly the case with you so I wish you all the best.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sam

I just wanted to let you know I really enjoyed this post. I’ve met someone and have started dating him. I am trying to take baby steps because if this is going to turn into something meaningful, I want to do things at the right pace and not overanalyze the situation. We are pretty much opposites so it’s refreshing to be around someone very different than myself.

This is a nice blog you have. I found it through Problogger. Keep up the good work. Have a nice weekend.

Elena

[...] steps. His idea is to first practice meeting strangers and introducing yourself. Here are his Tips for Approaching Men and Women in Everyday Life. I like his advice – practice baby steps to build your confidence and don’t jump ahead of [...]

I know EXACTLY what you mean. The irony of these situations is that the longer you leave it, the more the little voices inside our heads antagonise us and the more awkward it actually becomes! As you said, you just have to act on these scenarios straight away before thinking too much and talking yourself out of it, or worrying about whether what you are going to say is ‘cool enough’.

As a specific example, on somewhere like a plane (or anywhere else you’re going to be sat next to a random person for a while), I always make a point of saying hello right from the off. I won’t necessarily carry on a conversation there and then but it means later on if I want to spark up a conversation, it doesn’t seem weird as we’ve already casually introduced ourselves.

Mind you, if I was in a particularly annoying and bizarre mood I would probably say something like “Hi. I’m really tired so I hope you don’t mind me using your shoulder as a pillow for most of the flight… I have to warn you, I snore pretty loudly too” and then just after take-off say “I’m just going to get some fresh air quickly before my nap” and proceed to lock myself in the toilet for the remainder of the flight! hmm although I’m just being silly here, it does highlight a point that the less you worry about what you’re saying and how you’ll come across specifically, the more congruent with your personality you actually become. (note: I wouldn’t actually lock myself in the toilet!!)

Thanks for your comment Louise,
Sam x

i like your advice though. nike. just do it.

ps- they finally asked for a piece of gum and started up a convo. and then i wished i had started the conversation first. sigh.