Well, let me take a minute to gloat here

I cannot offer very much information as far as approaching girls off the street that you have never meant before. Because that is not really my forte.
As a prerequisit for this, before you read anything below, or attempt it, you MUST be CONFIDENT. It is the key in all of this, girls can sense fear like you wouldn't believe.
Most of the girls that I have dated I ran into at work. I know most professional places like offices frown upon this, but hey, I work at a movie theater

School is a good pick, as is health clubs. Pick a place where you will meet girls that you are working with or where you can meet girls that are just coming through. (Can't beat being paid to mack!)
The easiest way I find to approach a girl that you see often, is to start of slow, exhange smiles, then hellos, go to small talk etc. DO NOT USE PICK UP LINES, don't try anything romantic at this point either, it comes off as corny, and they will just think you are a horn dog or something.
When you first meet a girl things tend to be tense, its best to break the ice by making a funny situation of some sort, make fun of yourself, tell a joke etc. etc. If you can get a big smile on her face, your in!
As time goes on try and build a small friendship, then do little things that show you care for her. Perhaps bring her some of her favorite candy cause you "just happened" to pass it in the grocery store. From my experience, I would stay away from big flower arrangements, those are a little intense at this point, however, you might try a couple wildflowers or something.
But there is one sure fire, no holds barred act, that will get you MAD brownie points, and I can't believe this, but I will give up THE trade secret for you guys. Sense I know most of us geeks are in need of desperate help.
Wait for the girl to become under the weather, you will get plenty of opprotunities during cold and flu season, not to mention that time of the month! Then assemble a kit in a brown paper bag as follows:
16oz Carton of OJ
2 Tylenol
2 "Get Better Bears" lollipop coughdrops(You can get them at any supermarket)
Present this golden gift of your affection to your dream girl, and watch the amazement on her face. Have her take the Tylenol, and inform her that she needs to drink all of the OJ so that she get plenty of Vitamin C, because you want to see her get better. Girls go GAGA over the get better bears because they are so small and cute. This gift is creative and simple, which girls love, and shows that you care for her, which you do! Its perfect.
At this point, you should be nearing the point at which you will be able to go on your "first
date", which shouldn't be that bad at all, because you will probably be very comfortable with the girl at that point.
Thats as far as I can take you tonight my friends. And why you ask should you take my advice? Well I can honestly say that I have dated every girl that I have have wanted to date thus far. Many I found out that I disliked, others are good friends now.
But the fruits payed off with the girl I asked to Prom last year, because I have a beautiful girlfriend now. I can honestly say that I fealt it was a stab in the dark, because she seemed to be slightly out of my dating range. But I went for it anyway. I wish I had a picture I could post! She is 5'5" 110 lbs, lean, wavy blond hair, blue eyes, well dressed and kept, athletic, funny,loves to cuddle and is the envy of all my friends.
When we have lazy time togehter, I play Dreamcast with her all day, watch action flicks which she loves, plus talk about cars and computers(although limited to Tetris and a game called Snood). Ocassionaly we do the formal thing, such as dinner or a play. But we have the most fun just lounging around enjoying each other company.
Basically, she is my dream girl. And trust me guys, there is one out for you too. Just keep trying! I had my heart broken to many times to count before I met my girlfriend, and at times I wanted to just give up.
Let my know if this helps you at all! And good luck!
Lyn Labahn 18 years old