5 Places You Should Approach Women (no, the bar isn’t one of them…)

As a 23-year-old woman in Los Angeles, I’ve been hit on by all sorts of men, in all sorts of places. I’ve been asked out while walking down the street, while having blood drawn, and even once by a pizza guy who offered to give me someone else’s pizza as a token of his affection.

These days it seems that bars, clubs, and Tinder are the main venues for young people to meet each other — but guys, it’s time to think outside the box. Here’s 5 other places you should approach women, all of which happen to be places I’ve been hit on and personally loved it:

1. The Airport

I’ve been hit on by a smattering of different men in not just airports, but the buses and shuttles heading to the airport as well. The opportunity to flirt with a single woman traveling alone offers limitless possibilities simply because of the lack of repercussions only available in a setting like this. Should a man’s endeavors to flirt with a woman be followed with rejection, he can board his flight and never have to worry about seeing said woman ever again.

I once was hit on by an oncologist traveling to Boston University to give a lecture. I had a boyfriend at the time, but was nonetheless impressed by his witty banter and his confidence in coming up to start a conversation with me. More men should take a page out of his book; because if there’s one thing women love — it’s confidence.

2. The Inner Thigh Machine

Everyone knows the gym is a great place to meet people, but most guys don’t know how to go about it. Usually, they’ll go for something super typical — running next to a girl on the treadmill, catching her while she’s stretching, or approaching her while she’s in-between sets.

But why not try talking to her while she’s on the most awkward machine possible — like that semi-sexually inappropriate inner thigh machine?

I remember when it happened to me for the first time back in college (note- I’ve been asked out on this very same machine approximately four times since then). This guy was charming, and came across as confident but not at all creepy — despite the fact that I was squeezing a machine between my legs.

It was right before sorority recruitment and since he was an upperclassman, he gave me advice about which sororities to join. This was a great strategy to pick up a girl. Cardio machines may seem safe, but you can’t carry a conversation on them. This guy waited until I was done with my heavy cardio to talk to me, and then he gave me some useful advice. Needless to say I was totally into him afterwards.

3. The Beach (with a Band-Aid…)

A lifeguard came up to me once while I was walking on the beach and gave me his number written on a band aid from his first aid kit (a clean, wrapped one of course). Needless to say, I was incredibly flattered by this gesture. It was creative, charming, and a great way to make an outstanding first impression. I called him after that, and we went on several dates.

In general, the beach is an ideal place to meet young, active individuals. Whether you’re into volleyball, biking, running, or just swimming somewhere other than a pool, you’re sure to find someone at the beach with similar interests. Don’t pass up an opportunity to find yourself a sandy cutie and make a move next time you’re there.

4. The Grocery Store

Everyone is in the grocery store together squeezing fruit together, pretending they know what to look and ‘feel’ for in a quality kiwi. This is the perfect place to casually strike up a conversation with the opposite sex.

Once at the grocery store, I had one of those awkward encounters where you dodge to someone’s right, and then to their left, and neither person can figure out which direction to maneuver. I reached for a box of cereal, he reached for the same box, and then we both gave an awkward laugh. He took advantage of the situation, however, and turned it into a sweet conversation. He introduced himself, made a lighthearted joke, and eventually got my number.

5. Your Apartment Building

This one may seem a little risky, but it’s definitely something I’ve really come to appreciate myself. I live in Playa del Rey…with a lot of young, single neighbors. Now, I’m certainly not recommending going out and yelling some raunchy remarks to the girl next door. That’ll end poorly for the both of you.

What I am suggesting is that you go about hitting on your neighbors a more decent way — by offering help. If you offer your neighbor a helping hand while she moves in, give her the scoop about your favorite nearby restaurant, or invite her to your next beer pong night, chances are she’ll appreciate it.

Women love when a man has the courage to ask her out in a different environment. It’s funny that some of what I consider to be “unusual” places are actually just simple, ordinary locations. But that’s the whole point: Any guy can-cat call a woman on the street, or buy a girl a drink at the a bar. However, not every guy takes advantage of everyday places that are actually way more conducive to asking someone out.

Don’t be the typical car creep or dude at the bar. Get out there, be bold, and approach that girl you just spotted at the post office. She’ll appreciate it more there than anywhere else.

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