Train spotting

I am currently sitting on the train. I am tipsy, not going to lie (what’s the point in that?) - but that’s not important. What is important is that across the aisle from me is a man I seem to think is extremely attractive. Is it beer/cosmo goggles? Perhaps. But again, that’s not important. What is important is that he is bearded. Huge fan of beards.

He’s sitting in a group with four other people. He’s on the inside, by the window, making it impossible to strike up a conversation. Not that I would anyway. I’m working on my confidence and flirting skills, but Rome wasn’t built in a day people.

However, that doesn’t mean I can’t use it as a theoretical case study in what I WOULD do if I DID strike up a conversation. What would it look like if I were talking to this stranger, a cross between Justin Long and a frequent TV guest star I can’t quite place?

It all begins with eye contact, and that we have. We’ve been exchanging furtive glances since I sat down. Solid start.

If he were alone I might sit next to him, but not before coming up with a suitable topic for repartee. Maybe we could begin with tattoos. He has a few well places tats on his arms and legs. I could ask for a closer look. That could be an hour long tete a tete right there - what do they mean? What made you decide to get them? How long ago did you get them? The list goes on. And what’s more is that I could actually contribute with my three (albeit much smaller and less impressive) tattoos. And I can honestly say I’d like to get more, launching into another clutch five minutes of talking. Boom. Something in common. Check.

The what comes next? I assume I’d give him my name - only the first in the interest of safety, and certainly not loud enough for the drunkard named Josh behind us to hear (yes, he introduced himself to me, but no. Just no). I may ask the stranger where he’s riding to, where he lives. And then ... what?

That is a question I’m hoping to answer in the coming months. I am determined to learn the art of flirting. Maybe not with Justin Long’s distant cousin, but with someone.

By the way, in case you were wondering, as I sobered up tattoo man remained attractive. Damn his friends.