I'm usually friendly to strangers but I'd be immediately suspicious of someone asking me either of these questions out of the blue - and I'm a middle class, middle aged male.
Most of mine I am trying to find similarities or learn new things.
After the conversation is over, it won't matter how you opened, it won't matter if the person felt suspicious. I can't control your upbringing or your day.
You either are friends, or you likely won't see them again.
No one died.