Did you ever see a man in the grocery line who you wanted to talk to? Maybe he was in the line at the bank or even at a friend’s party. You struggle to come up with something to say. It feels like you can hear the clock ticking while you pray that your brain will finally kick in and come up with a clever question. Well, one thing I can tell you is that it doesn’t have to be hard at all. In fact it can be amazingly simple and easy.

Here’s what happened to me this week. I was at the gas station standing by the pump waiting for it to register so I could fill my tank. On the other side of the pump was a man in his 40’s, who poked his head between the pumps from the other side, smiled and brightly said, “hello.” Yeah, I was a little surprised. Not the usual way things go at the gas pump. But I said hello and smiled back.

Mr. Gas then moved past the pump to be in plain view. He smiled again and said, “Can you believe it’s October 1st already? I just heard on the radio how many days it is until Christmas!”

As you can see, this is not rocket science, but it did work. I chatted with him briefly. It was a harmless, friendly exchange. Perhaps had I shown more interest, he might have pursued me further, but I’m not available.

The simplest comment or question about nothing much at all is the best way to break the ice. Don’t’ strain your brain rummaging around for a super funny, clever line. forget that. Too much pressure. And your inner critic will most likely shoot down anything you do manage to come up with any way.

I’ll give you a few starters so that you can get the idea:

– What a beautiful day!
– I love this time of year
– Doesn’t the air smell good today?
– The sky is really blue today
– Are you a Steelers fan? Did you see the game last night?
– What a nice shirt
– I’m so glad it’s Friday

You could come up with a few of these right? Keep a few in your mental back pocket so when you come in contact with men, you’ll have something to say without hanging back. You must strike while the iron is hot so to speak. Hesitating will usually mean he got away before you uttered a syllable.

Most importantly, don’t pressure yourself into thinking this will turn into something. It’s just flirty conversation and great practice. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll get with the process. And it can actually be fun!

I do know a man who met his wife in the grocery store this way. She asked him to reach something on a top shelf for her. (One of my favorite tricks since I’m shy of 5 feet!) Now they’ve been married for more than 20 years.

Just start talking to people. Friendly people who are comfortable with themselves are very attractive and approachable. Make it easy for men and give it a whirl.

Discover 10 reasons why a woman should never pay on the first date when you subscribe to the Kiss & Tell newsletter at www.MANifestingMrRight.com And learn savvy dating strategies to find love after 35 in the book MANifesting Mr. Right It’s Never Too Late to Find the Love You Want by Dating Coach and expert Ronnie Ann Ryan. Ronnie found love and married after 40 and knows you can too! She’s helped over 1,500 people jumpstart or accelerate their search for love. You could be next.