So we're discussing pick up lines, but some times its easier to approach a stranger because you have less to lose. I've often (if not always) been attracted to my friends rather than just another girl on the street. But this also means that I have to be more careful in my approach. So guys and gals, what has worked for you and what hasn't been as successful? And what has been damaging to the friendship or won your heart over?

Oh this is a tough one.. I think the best approach really depends on the friendship.
I think, the most easiest way is to first try to find out how the other person feels about you indirectly. Look at his/her behaviour, maybe ask some questions that do not directly lead to your statement that you like him/her. That could maybe help in the way to approach. And then.. I don't know really... maybe the best way is to just say it kind of directly when you're alone with this person..
I think that there is no perfect way to do this. I recently had a guy declaring his love for me. And he was so extensive in that, and so certain that I was the love of his life, that after that I couldn't really be friends with him anymore because I felt like I could be giving him signs unconsciously. For me it would be better if a guy just said that he likes me a bit more than friends instead of saying that I am the love of his life.. But I'm not really standard in this. I think other girls would like this approach
I've never actually been in the opposite situation, where I liked a friend of me that much so I can't tell you about that unfortunately..

Yes, I agree with both of you!
If you are in love with a friend, you better take it slow!
You do not necessarily have to tell him/her you love him/her,
especially if he/she thinks of you as just a friend..Maybe you can invite him/her to go out for a walk, and if you are sure,tell him/her what you feel...
The important thing is to be honest and true in word and deed.

But even approaching a stranger, is not easy .. because you do not know his character and you do not know how to handle the situation.
For example, I wrote to a guy for a friendship, because he is very nice/funny, (though when I saw him, he said to me only "hi" ), but how he responded to me, I'm pretty sure he believes me a crazy person, or a stalker! hahaha
Perhaps because he is Dutch, and I am a very expansive Italian girl!
PS: Sjoerdje, you look so beautiful and nice, that it's natural that you have a declaration so strong!

thank you Kiara
I think you are right in that approaching a stranger can be as difficult as approaching a friend.
I think the problem with Dutch people in general can be that they tend to be more closed towards people they don't know. That doesn't go for every Dutch person but I always notice when I'm abroad that people are far more likely to make a chat with you on the street or maybe even just take you for a coffee even if they don't know you.
Maybe this guy, therefore, was just a bit suprised because he's not used to people being so direct?

Yes, you're right.
Is a strange situation for me because I don't know what to do!
Also because he didn't write anything more .. I don't know what he really thinks!