I had a girlfriend who would get visibly anxious in the grocery store line if she hadn't introduced herself to the person in front of her. People were often shocked when she would randomly introduce herself, but it often turned into interesting but brief conversations.

When I moved overseas, she told me that I should do it, and I do on a regular basis - though not in the grocery store line, and I don't get anxious if I don't do it.

I've definitely made some interesting connections, including with a guy on a bus in 2012 who transferred me my first bitcoin on that bus and got me into crypto. I wish I knew he was so I could thank him.

I've never regretted reaching out to a single person. Sometimes people don't want to talk, and that is easily noticeable. Sometimes I don't end up wanting to talk to them, and that's a bit harder for me to exit.

Give it a shot, but do be conscious of other people's feelings and understand quickly if they want to be left alone.