I'm a 47M and have been back on the dating market after 23 years. Have tried assorted apps for the better part of a year and it's just been brutal. Have been on exactly one date (last July). Had numerous ladies flake before 1st meeting while others refuse to respond to messages even after we've matched.

Understand the handicaps: apps are mostly sausage factories, my pics and profile aren't the best, and I live in a metro area of only 500,000 or so, so the numbers aren't there compared to bigger places. Still very frustrating.

Looking to start cold approaching, but what public places are the most productive at succeeding at this? Guys can answer from experience, but would welcome observations from the ladies too. Where would you feel most comfortable being approached?