Just kidding, but it got your attention. Which is the problem I face-

How to "hook" these fish when they're not in a proverbial barrel? Standing in lines, sidewalk conversations, at the store, etc- where she's got her own agenda. How can I draw her into my situation or insert myself into hers?

I am having trouble escalating- how can I get past smalltalk effectively and avoid the dreaded "Ok well, nice to meet you!" after 2 minutes?

I'm not asking for any step-by-step handholding, just point me in the direction of some solid guides to read or drop me a couple of hints.

Thanks- looking forward to this community.

The best way to get past it is to simply give a statement even if she gives a short response. So if you ask her if she's a student and says a simple "yeah" make a statement about yourself when you used to be a student and studied business in the local area, you could then make a joke about her looking like a business woman and tease her.

Also don't worry about 'hooking' them just come across as confident and as though you don't give a shit and any opener will work fine, heck i've even seen guys say "I've just shit my pants, can I have your number?" and the girl would give it to him all because he had a confident frame.

P.s Don't use THAT line though, it was a joke

_________________
I don't even need directions from you, but I'm gonna get an erection from you.

Thanks- that's quite intuitive - I'll practice that soon.

What do you mean by frame? Solely body language and tone?

frame is a tricky concept..

it's how you control the interaction.. for example a sexual frame is when you create sexual tension, talk about sex, look to her in a sexual way.
the frame is the whole way you show yourself in the interaction.. i think that's it.

i actually was wondering about how to continue after opening with something like....
floss before or after brushing?? (i really like this one from mystery)
i mean you wouldn't wann talk about mouth hygiene for the next 10 minutes

I've personally find it easy to start talking to them in public transports. The girl sits in front of you. Then you look at her and smile a little. Keep the eye contact as though she was a million dollars. She will most likely blush and smile back.

Some examples: I ride the subway, a girl reading an interesting book I've read. I say.. "ah you are reading.. do you like it?"

I would say make a statement and then instantly follow up with a question. Like "yeah, I went to that school as well.. I studied business there.. you know I find that business is really one of these areas that teaches us a lot about life in general. Have you ever thought of that?"

I've been practicing different ways to lead the conversation in this way. It's really cool. I used to get into that "stale mate" situation a lot before when I would make a statement and it would be quiet and I would be like "fuck fuck fuck what did I do?? how do I get out of it??".. then I realized that I could avoid talking by asking questions and letting her tell me things instead.