What are the rules of approaching a handsome stranger on the metro? I see the same guy often enough during my daily commute that I’m totally infatuated with him. He’s cute, he’s young, he’s single (or I’m assuming, since I don’t see a ring on his finger) and I’d like to say something to him, but I’m terrified! So, what are the possible etiquette rules for this kind of thing? Should I try to make small talk? Position myself near him and hope he strikes up a conversation? Of course, the potential for embarrassment is huge. We made eye contact and smiled a few times, but that’s it. Help!

Oh boy, a metro crush. DCist can relate. We had a long time crush on a Blue Line boy whom we dubbed “Metro Space Case.” Let’s gush for a moment. OK, we’re done…but the lesson we learned from space case is that sometimes you need to grab that bull by the horns or one of you changes metro lines and you never see him again. Why live with regrets right?

We apologize, but DCist can not offer an approach that guarantees a negative embarrassment factor or a 100 percent rate of success — and quite frankly if we knew one we would either hold on to that trade secret for ourselves or charge good cash for it. However, as we abashedly learn time and time again, most things worthwhile in life are gained from taking some sort of risk. Come on, you know it’s true…you’re just going to have to suck it up and put yourself on the (metro) line here.