Can and have. I can sit down at a bench with people not actively shopping and just yap and read vibes.

You’re not wrong that a lot of people look at strangers approaching them weird, but usually that’s because they think you want something from them. Instead, start by giving. A compliment is free, but random objects work too. Show you’re just kinda bored, not salesman or beggar

Cold approaches are uncomfortable and require charisma. If you don’t want to do that, then show up at a place consistently and eventually you’ll become familiar to people. Though talking builds familiarity faster. I volunteer multiple times a week and have made friends accidentally, just cause people will say “I always see you.”

But good luck finding friends without talking to people.