I thought before I go into the other forums I would ask hypothetical questions about past social experiences that I have kicked myself over for not making any progress. I guess this is called failing in mid-game.

We know the crucial thing is about approaches but what if, shock horror, it is actually the attractive lady who starts. Usually circumstantial though and somewhere like London is just perfect. (What with tourists all lost and asking for directions or suggestions of good bars to go to and the like).

One occasion I remember from last year when I wish I could have done more was on the day after my birthday going for drinks with my brother and cousins in town and we spent the evening in a rather crowded bar and as they were on one side of the bar I went to the other side to order drinks and whilst waiting a rather tall blonde HB started talking to me commenting on how busy it was whilst waiting to be served.

She even ordered Guinness just like me (pointing out it was Arthur Guinnesses birthday) and that provided some talking point and then we did the mini introduction and she told me she was from Miami and studying in London for the year. I remember this provided me with an opportunity to tell her how much I loved Miami Vice and still do (she quipped she is far too young to remember), and then she told me how she was hoping her team (the Dolphins, I think) get to the Superbowl (sorry my NFL knowledge is non-existent). I told her it was my birthday which she complimented and then came the expected "who you out with?". I couldn't take it any further as she was with a group of college friends and a part of me thought it would be rude to tag along to a bunch of strangers and 'invite myself' and that my guests would obviously be waiting for me. So it just ended with a smile and a "nice speaking to you" on both parts.

A missed opportunity? Or...?