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It is quite clear that you want something from them, since you approached them, but you didn't tell them what it was.
I implied that I was interested in having fun with my statement "You guys seem FUN do you mind if I join?" Maybe this was too much of a hint and I should have made a more clear statement of intent. Which line would you suggest I use in order to explain my intentions?
Saying "I know this seems weird, but I need someone to ask" is not my intentions though. My intentions are to have a conversation but this statement implies that my intentions are ONLY to get advice on the matter. I would like a statement that shows a much stronger intent.
Furthermore, I explained my intentions later on with "The reason I asked was because...." So I did make my intentions clear. Just not right away.
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By sitting down at the table you were also a bit too close for them to be comfortable.
Either stand at a distance, preferrably leaning against a wall as if you are waiting for something. Just don't walk up to them. Make it look as if you talk to anyone who happens to be around. I hope that helped.
I have tried opening from a distance before. Although they DID feel comfortable, the problem was that I couldn't hear them talking - since they were further away. There were a few other problems as well (2) they didn't feel compelled to respond because i was so far away (but when I approached upclose, the social pressure is on them to respond and they responded) and (3) it was wierd when I suddenly moved in closer - later on for no reason (just imagine me talking + standing far from the table and then moving in closer and taking a seat later on: that won't work because there is no justification to move in closer). But if I get in close right away ( I don't need to find a prextext to move in closer later: instead I project the frame that my close distance is normal).
One thing that I did learn was the importance of admitting if it's weird when it is weird. I'll be using this line in the future "I know this is weird but..."