I think it's downright rude to try to start conversation with someone who's otherwise engaged. If I am reading, on my iPod or generally minding my own business that means leave me the hell alone.

Eh, that was just plain scary.

Sure I've approached women in public - which is actually quite rare in my own cultural climate - and the results have been admittedly mixed. Most have been flattered, but there have been a few that have seemed to have been bothered by it and one or two who clearly would have wished for me to never open up my mouth in their vicinity. From that I've learnt a simple rule: if the woman sends signs that she is interested, if she smiles at me and especially if she turns her head when we pass by or something, it is perfectly okay to go talk to her.

In that case I've also learnt something that goes against the grain of what is usually taught of what women will react positively to. If you're the male approaching a woman you've never talked to before, don't be too damn confident about yourself. It's perfectly okay to stutter and show some of your insecurities as well. I just wish there were more intelligent proposals to be made than ask her "for a cup of coffee" though.