Approaching a random girl for possible date, is it practical?

AL2000
Have seen a lot of postings about guys (or girls) wondering about how to talk to girls they have never met before. Many people responded that a guy can approach a girl in a supermarket, mall, gym, bookstore etc. Striking up a conversation with her and then asking for her phone number etc. I have see this talked about a lot as a good way ways to meet girls. However for me does not seem very practical.

Can for example one just go up to a girl at Borders and just say hi, then maybe ask a question about what she may be reading or something? Or at a supermarket go up to a girl in this same way? I've never had the guts to do this for a few reasons.

One I would think that most girls don't want to be bothered by strange guys in random places. Two, I think they most of them believe any guy who would approach them in this way is just a pervert looking for some quick sex and immediately shoot him down (since that's what all guys want anyway). These are reasons why I generally won't approach girls in these types of places.

Ladies, are you open to being approached and possible asked out by men you've never met before in the above said places? Like if you are reading a book at Borders and a guy came up politely and began to talk to you, would you reciprocate and give him a chance? If so what are some good ways to approach and talk to you gals? Looking to possibly expand my dating pool.
Approaching a random girl for possible date, is it practical?
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