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Approaching the Girl with the "Spotlight Job"
Dear Brenda,
Recently I went to a department store, which is a pretty ordinary event. However, this particular time something magical happened. The cashier serving me had a wonderful personality and I haven't been able to get her out of my mind ever since. I am considering going back to try and talk to her, but by nature I am a shy and introspective man with a tendency to screw up conversations with women royally. Do you think I am crazy, or is this just some kind of infatuation? Do you have any suggestions for how to approach her? - Can't sleep
Dear Can't sleep,
If she's as adorable as you imply, she's probably:
1. Used to men hitting on her on a regular basis to the point where it's annoying, or 2. She already has a boyfriend, or 3. Men assume she's taken, and no one asks her out. (Believe me, that happens a lot).
The first thing you have to realize is that pretty salesgirls works in what I call a "spotlight" job. This means that she is there to serve you, is paid to be nice to you, and as a result, sometimes her friendly attitude can be taken the wrong way. Examples of spotlight jobs might be "wait-staff, cashier, personal trainer, physical therapist, hostess, etc." You see what I mean.
Now, armed with that knowledge, if you feel brave enough to risk the possible rejection (boyfriend or no chemistry factor), then I admire you. But don't just walk up to her and start stammering about the weather. I think something touching, sweet and simple will get her attention. I would take advantage of the fact that she works as a cashier and do something sickeningly original...
So, here's a suggestion for a plan: Walk up to her carrying a bag from the store where she works. Tell her that you have something to return. Hand her the bag. When she takes out a pretty flower (not a rose, please) and a note that says something like "I didn't really want to return this flower, it's a gift for you." This is your cue to stand there and be as adorable as God made you - and to start up a conversation. "This is the best I could think of to get your attention." Then smile. If the conversation goes well, and she becomes comfortable, you pack it up and tell her that you enjoyed talking with her, and you'd like to talk more over coffee when she's free.
If she's not attached, and you are sincere, she'll probably say yes. If she says no in an embarrassed way, it could be that she's taken - or it could be that she's as shy as you are, and you could try to ease her fears by telling her that you aren't a mad stalker and only want to get to know her better over a few smoothies. Remember, you don't want to ask her out too fast. Your goal is to have a conversation with her. You can do that. I'm sure she won't bite you.
Side note: You might want to pull this move when there isn't a huge crowd around you both just in case she gets embarrassed - and would have some time to talk to you. I think it could work, it shows you're sweet and creative, and interested in her. If it works out, it'll be a great story to tell everyone who asks how you met...

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