Totally feel you. The phone bubble is real. What works for me is commenting on something happening around — like “Wow, this sunset’s unreal” or “That line’s moving slower than a snail today.” Simple observations often open the door.

Complimenting something genuine works too — “Hey, that’s a cool backpack, mind if I ask where you got it?” People love sharing about themselves.

Also, asking for tips or directions can lead to real conversations, even if you don’t need them — “Is there a coffee spot nearby you’d actually recommend?” feels way more human than Google.

Most people are more open than they seem. Just gotta give them a little nudge out of phone mode.