Situations like these are why i tend to prescribe to a notion of “Social Ninjitsu”, that is: throwing things like compliments, invitations, etc and then ejecting yourself out of the situation so that the other person cannot effectively respond, and does not feel it is expected of them on the spot. The only way for them to respond is to pretty much chase you down and stop you, which only happens if they have more than socially required desire to do so. In effect, those who do not chase you/try to find you, are emotionally and socially excused, and those who do chase you are already pres-elected as highly motivated to interact with you, AKA potential friends.
Situations like these are why i tend to prescribe to a notion of “Social Ninjitsu”, that is: throwing things like compliments, invitations, etc and then ejecting yourself out of the situation so that the other person cannot effectively respond, and does not feel it is expected of them on the spot. The only way for them to respond is to pretty much chase you down and stop you, which only happens if they have more than socially required desire to do so. In effect, those who do not chase you/try to find you, are emotionally and socially excused, and those who do chase you are already pres-elected as highly motivated to interact with you, AKA potential friends.