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To reply to your nested comment: Often the initial stage in flirting if done right should not be annoying, no matter what her recent experiences with guys were. Think "passing a comment about the weather in the checkout line" not "going up to someone and saying you like their shirt".

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“Excuse me, that spicy pasta sauce (in their basket), have you tried it before, what do you think?”

If no reply, move on. If they answer sheepishly, don’t be annoying. If they react with enthusiasm...

“I love spicy”. Escalate.

@wendyshu - I feel ya trying to explain nuanced things to a crowd who take things very, literally, but good job.

Sorry, bored on a flight.

From your perspective, you're only asking her once so it's no big deal. From her perspective, she's had 10 guys try it today and it happens often when she's shopping.

You're underestimating the ability of women to artfully handle the interaction. You're overestimating the amount of attention they get. You're trying to avoid taking any personal risk. Here, try this: Say something funny. No one's bothered if they laugh.

Exactly. It's just weak men find any excuse to avoid actually putting themselves out there, and would rather post online about how women are all terrible.

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