When I was younger, I was often afraid to start #conversations with #people I found “interesting”, or to ask them questions, for fear that my approaching them would be misconstrued. For instance, I had teachers in college who had amazing biographies, hobbies or research interests, but I rarely engaged in casual conversations with them because I thought everybody would think I was an arse-licker. Same with bosses I liked at work. And same with female classmates/workmates/acquaintances who seemed to have original personal stories or viewpoints similar to mine, for fear they would think I was hitting on them.
Nowadays, I'm more forward and try to discount “what people will think”. There are just so many interesting people near me, personal connections are difficult to find and keep, and I hate the idea that I'm missing #friendships, information or opportunities to learn and have fun because I am too conservative in keeping distances…