meeting women

[docisin]

O.K. honest question in hope of getting some honest answers: I'm a middle aged, single guy and have always had a difficult time meeting women. I don't mean where to find them, what I mean is, when I see someone I'd like to get to know, I'm most of the time too shy to strike up a conversation, fear of feeling embarrassed or being turned down, I guess. I'm not really into dance clubs, and can't stand screaming into someone's ear over loud music. So, men, how do you meet women? Women, how do you like to be approached by men? I'm not necessecarlily talking about meeting for sex (although that would be AOK too!), just any kind of friendly meeting. Thanks in advance for all the great replys I KNOW this message will generate!