At this point, I can't stand the idea of plastering a big forced smile on my face, then walking up to a target and opening directly with a compliment, even though that's what most day game specialists on here recommend for new PUAs.

I like the bolongese opener, but the times when you can use that are so specific that it's impractical unless you like to hang out in grocery stores.

I'm trying to slowly approach direct game, but right now I like to start out with at least a few minutes of normal conversation before going to the direct flirting and compliments.

Is that a bad thing? If not, what kind of openers do you use for that?

I would recommend reading that post again because the bologna bit and being at a grocery store was merely a real life example of how it can be and was used. The idea is that you should take from your environment and surroundings in order to make your opener. It allows you to be impromptu and relevant at the same time.

Since you don't care for the way a few others recommend opening, how is it that you normally approach during the day? Let's work with something that you feel comfortable with. You said you like to start out with a few minutes of "normal conversation", so what is it that you normally talk about when you first walk over?

As far as my day-game openers, I do exactly what you don't like minus the cheesy compliments haha. I will usually just make eye contact and flash a genuine smile.

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"Vincit Qui Se Vincit"

I always smile when opening, but it's the compliment part that throws me - especially when the target is wearing a frumpy work uniform or doing her grocery shopping in a T-shirt & sweatpants. Complimenting her would be too obvious a pick-up.

I've only been into this for a couple of weeks, but I've been starting conversations with strangers for about 2 years now.
Normally, I try to think of a situational opener on the spot. So far, I haven't had much luck, always coming up with AFC-ish lines like "Come here often?" or if I'm in a restaurant: "What's good here?"

I'm looking for something more clever than that.

BTW: The reason I had a hard time using the bolongese opener is because I don't know how to cook yet. I know that could be substituted for any recipe, but I know hardly any right now.

Bump.

Be direct, the worse that'll happen is you'll make some chicks day a bit brighter, and you'll learn something. I've been trying to be more natural. I don't use lines, routines, canned material. I use my surroundings, her style, whatever she has in her hand, etc..

I don't see why you feel the need to put a plastic smile on, you're approaching an attractive women, an action that several guys before you only fantasized about. Be happy about that, seize the moment.

All other portions of the game still apply, the opener can be anything. Its all about how you deliver it.

I usually don't give compliments right off the bat because that's what most guys seem to do. Girls get that all the time. You don't wanna be the 100th guy that week to tell her about her pretty hair. Let her earn your compliments.

i Prefer in-direct openers, i find them more effective