Guys need to realize that as low as you get in the stack, you still sit comfortably ahead of 40 to 60% of the “men” around you. Go to a college and look at the guys there, go to work and look at the office. As long as you aren’t obese, can crack a good joke, and make people enjoy being around you then you’re sitting way, WAY prettier than you realize. 

The risk isn’t the reason I quit cold approaches (except at work, where it’s usually the jealous hags overhearing you that report it, though I’ve never had issues doing so), it’s the fact they’re low-yield. You can say the payout isn’t worth it for the work required, that still holds true for us. But guys like to focus way too much on the risk of dating, and….eh. I’ve had exes try to pull that before, as long as you’re able to talk frankly and charm your way out of things you’re good. 

So, SO much of this is solved with “be likable”. Seriously demolishes these obstacles like you wouldn’t believe. Guys somehow can make each other laugh online, but IRL? Suddenly it’s an impossible request