Is it best to be friends first?

SamIAm28
Right when I punched out of work, I went to the deli to get some Irish potato salad. Standing right next to me was this girl and she was just happening to wear a Breaking Bad shirt. And coincidentally, I was wearing a Los Pollos Hermanos shirt. I even mentioned it to her and we briefly chatted but I didn't stay to talk because I was afraid. So I just said "I'll see you around" and she said "it was really nice talking to you". I feel like I blew it. I would've loved it if I kept talking and maybe asked for her number, but maybe thats not the right thing to do since I've heard that most relationships start as friends. I've never had a girlfriend and mostly avoided the opposite sex my whole life because they say you should "stop looking". Thats what I dont understand. Should I be friends first before I date someone? How long should I wait to ask someone out? Of course one step at a time. If I did ask for her number then I would've gotten to know her better and maybe ask her to coffee or an activity. I just don't want to put the girl on the spot and if she said no, it would make me think I did something wrong. How did you meet your boyfriend/girlfriend? Were you friends first? Is it like in those romantic comedies (When Harry Met Sally, 10 things I hate about you, Adventureland etc.) where they ALWAYS start out as friends? I wish I could read the female mind. Im also afraid to get "friendzoned" if thats even a real thing. Im 28 now so how about life start happening for me or else someone's going to end up like something from Schindler's List.
Is it best to be friends first?
3 Opinion