How can I respectfully approach a woman I see playing basketball at work?

[Anonymous]

This will probably get deleted. I work for my local parks. I go to certain parks every day to do work. At least once or twice a week for the past year or two I see the same girl shooting hoops late in the morning on the basketball court at the same park. She appears to be really good and has gotten better. Curiosity is getting the best of me and I’m curious if she’s trying to go pro or if she’s plays on a team. I’ve always kept it professional at work and continue to do so.

[HollyK21]

Not trying to be a defeatist whatsoever, but if I put myself in her shoes, I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be with you approaching. Like I’m always by myself in this park, then a guy comes up; granted he works there, but he’s basically saying he’s been watching this routine I have and knows what times I’m there doing these things. He’s noticed my improvement, he’s been observant. I’m just not sure what I’d make of a stranger taking interest in me like that.


Not trying to make you feel creepy or anything, I’m sure that’s not your intention at all. She could also think completely differently than I do and would be more than fine with the approach. I guess with social media being how it is these days, I’ve been exposed to witnessing more instances of things happening to women alone out in public than I can count. The situations I used to think should be so harmless for women are now not. I’ve become very cautious.

[Asker]

No offense but no wonder why women are single and can’t find anyone. You all are too much in your head. I’m the kind of person that notices a lot. And as a parks worker I have to be more observant on what’s going on in the parks. The stuff I’ve seen is ridiculous. And I wouldn’t so much approach. I would yell over from the baseball field im on and say something jokingly like “if you go to the wnba don’t forget about me.”

[HollyK21]

Considering the fact that I’m not only in a relationship, but engaged, I don’t think being cautious as I’ve gotten older has had any negative effect on me or my dating life. It’s unfortunate that women have to be so cautious these days, but it’s warranted. There’s something new about something happening to a woman every single day. As a man, you don’t have to agree, but who knows, maybe your warped ideology surrounding women and our comforts contribute as to why you’re a single man yourself. No offense of course. If you insist on indulging your curiosity, be my guest. Just giving some outside perspective.

[HollyK21]

“Don’t forget about me”, she doesn’t even know you… just a bit odd in my opinion but again, it’s your call.

[Anonymous]

She's probably gay. I'd probably stay away. Odds are she's going to be hostile to whatever you say.

[Asker]

Yea I think I might

[DryGermanGuy]

Show up with a "Coach" jacket and a playbook under your arm and ask her for tryouts.