Meeting someone who immediately catches our attention in the middle of the daily subway commute can seem like pure chance. But what if this chance meeting could be the start of a beautiful story? The question remains: how do you approach this person who has suddenly captured your interest, especially in an environment as hectic and impersonal as the subway?
Take the first step, but be subtle
Starting a conversation on the subway can seem intimidating. The ambient noise, the crowds, and the short journey time do not work in your favor. However, a simple smile can be powerful. If you catch his eye, offer a friendly smile. It’s a non-verbal, non-intrusive approach to showing your interest without appearing oppressive.
Identify the right signals
Before making any moves, make sure the interest is mutual. Look for signs of openness such as lingering gazes, returning smiles, or body posture oriented toward you. If the person seems to avoid your gaze or quickly puts on headphones, this could indicate disinterest in a conversation.
Start a relevant conversation
If you receive positive signals in return, take the first step by initiating a conversation. Comment something relevant and innocuous; it could be something metro-related, like a service disruption, or a significant cultural event in the city. Be sure to keep the tone light and friendly.
Respect their space and time
It is crucial to respect the person’s personal space and understand that, perhaps, they are not in the best mood for a conversation. If you sense some reluctance or if the person clearly tells you that they are not interested, it is important to respect their choice without insisting.
Suggest a way to stay in touch in a casual way
If the conversation is going well and your subway stop is approaching, you might want to extend this unexpected contact. A casual way to do this would be to offer a social media exchange rather than phone numbers directly. This takes the pressure off and leaves the door open for a future conversation in a less rushed setting.
Finding someone you met in the metro
Sometimes, despite an obvious connection, the moment to request contact passes and you find yourself wishing you hadn’t exchanged your information. Fortunately, platforms exist to try to “find someone you meet in the metro“, such as the Crossed site in the Metro. Whether they are specialized sites or groups on social networks dedicated to this purpose, they can offer a second chance to reconnect.
Meeting someone on the subway and initiating respectful and attentive flirting can turn into a great story to tell. The main thing is to remain respectful, attentive to each other’s signals, and open to the idea that a simple daily journey could become the start of a new adventure.
