Please read to the end – This might be a bit long.
So, I(26m)’ve been thinking for a while that I am clever enough to contemplate and execute the smooth first talk to a girl and that I don’t need people to teach me. Now, generally, there are things about me that make this thinking half justifiable – I am NOT shy, I can be somewhat funny and witty, I am kind of a quick ice-breaker, so to speak – but the truth is, there are also things about me that force me to let go of my uninsightful and pathetic arrogance and just admit that people’s advice would be greatly appreciated. The thing is, I am NOT an expert and the situation is kind of a peculiar one.

Yes, I’ve talked to girls a good deal, mainly as classmates and casual friends. I even loved a classmate once and we talked about it and it’s over no biggie, but talking wasn’t that difficult since we did talk as classmates.

The main reason this is different is that, aside from the fact that we study in the same faculty, there is nothing [yet] common between us. We are not in the same class. We are not even in the same department. And there is no occasion in which a spontaneous, casual conversation could have happened. I saw her a good number of times outside the building of the faculty (but inside the uni) and that’s how I know her.

Now, here is the good news: She likes me back! Of that I am certain but an explanation would make this post unnecessarily even longer. Suffice it to say there was meaningful eye contact more than once and there was blushing and awkward body language. Just don’t stress over this part and please proceed with your thinking as if it was indeed a certainty.

Quick essential details:

1. I live and study in Turkey but I am not Turkish. My Turkish is still a work in progress now (I study in English) but I am determined to achieve fluency soon enough (I have the whole summer). Deal with this, too, as if it was a certainty. It is not of our concern now.
2. She is Turkish. My week language was a part of the reason I didn’t talk to her quickly (I was improving my language) and then quarantine happened.
3. She is almost invariably with her female friend(s) and it is difficult to know when and/or how I can spot her alone.
4. I don’t know her what her department is and I don’t really know how to find out. In fact, I don’t even know her name! But that does not make the situation any less promising and important.
5. I am not a dating guy when I am not actually contemplating a far, official future. Otherwise, I consider it a waste of time. She matters because I can see that in her (so far) and because they say you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Now, I am determined to talk to her at the beginning of next semester, but I feel as though I am not quite sure how to create that smooth, spontaneous, and casual first talk. When? How? It matters to me that it is spontaneous and smooth…and that it seems effortless, if you will. Then, that she will agree to a first date is something I am positive about.

So, I am asking you, especially experts, what would be a good and wise way to approach her? ’cause
I. DON’T. KNOW.

Thanks a lot. And please forgive my too-long post.