> This really doesn't ring true outside of school/university years
I'll happily state the contrary:
Supply easily saturates demand at the university but after that most are on their own. So, demand stays the same but supply drops off (because you have much less available time).
So this is where you can shine.
> knock your socks off with their personality, for you to even consider meeting up with them again
No, I talk to people while waiting for the train or during my commute. I don't ask them to see them again, I just see them again because they have the same commute as me.
Always say hi but never give them the feeling that you expect them to spend time talking with you. This is also why it's easier to talk while waiting for the train, it's a limited time and they feel easier knowing that you won't be potentially annoying them during the whole train ride.
From there on it's easier, you slowly get to know a handful of acquaintances and you can easily "escalate" with the people you like.
> This is also why it's easier to talk while waiting for the train,
> it's a limited time and they feel easier knowing that you won't
> be potentially annoying them during the whole train ride.
Wait, how does that work? If you're waiting at the same stop, you'll board the same train, right? Unless they wait for the next one to avoid you? Wouldn't they be concerned that you'll board together and continue making conversation for the entire commute?
The bus arriving is a natural break point for ending the conversation, I'd say. There's no social obligation to keep talking once you are both are busy boarding the bus and finding a seat, so it's a good time to say farewell.
I'll happily state the contrary:
Supply easily saturates demand at the university but after that most are on their own. So, demand stays the same but supply drops off (because you have much less available time).
So this is where you can shine.
> knock your socks off with their personality, for you to even consider meeting up with them again
No, I talk to people while waiting for the train or during my commute. I don't ask them to see them again, I just see them again because they have the same commute as me.
Always say hi but never give them the feeling that you expect them to spend time talking with you. This is also why it's easier to talk while waiting for the train, it's a limited time and they feel easier knowing that you won't be potentially annoying them during the whole train ride.
From there on it's easier, you slowly get to know a handful of acquaintances and you can easily "escalate" with the people you like.