Ice Breakers That Aren’t Awkward

Offer to help. If she’s carrying something, setting something up, taking something down, or otherwise doing something that it looks like she might appreciate some assistance with, offer it.

Ask her something. Ask her if she knows where the mechanical pencils are stored or if she has the phone number for the Rochester branch, or if you could borrow her packing tape (then return it with your thanks and a cup of coffee).

Compliment her. Tell her that you thought she did a great job with the presentation or that you like the way she handled that rude customer, or that you thought the joke she told in the break room was really funny.

Ask her to help you. Ask her to show you how to do something on the computer, or to explain how pro-rated vacation time works.

Smile and say, "Have you ever tried the spinning class? I’m thinking of trying it."

If you’re at the Bark Park, compliment her four legged friend such as saying, "Nice puppy. Is he purebred?"

At the library, ask, "How do you feel about this book? I’m having a love/hate relationship with the main character."

If you’re in a class together in college or for a specific skill, ask, "Have you enjoyed the class so far? My friends are pretty impressed with my newfound cooking abilities!"

Say, "Gosh it’s loud in here, isn’t it?" Or ask what time the bar closes. You don’t have to seem like you’re trying to meet her – she just happens to be the one you start talking to.