You know, I'm not going to disagree with anything that you've said. I understand completely but I do have some things to add that might, hopefully ease your mind. Every guy, or girl for that matter, that wants to approach someone that is attractive to them has a bit of awkwardness. there is far more of that going around than you think. It is natural. The element of attraction complicates things. It is not that approaching an potential mate is any different than approaching another stranger of either sex but our minds (I think almost all of us outside of players that do this as a conquest) go blank when there is that risk, that stake in the conversation. When you go up to a stranger and make small talk (and mind you I realize even that is somewhat rare for me), there are no high stakes, I'm just making conversation that may or may not have any kind of weight to it. but we judge our every move (self critics are the worst) we make, by that risk and/or potential. "will it make her like me, will I look stupid" etc. That is a normal thing, just sometimes a bit more heightened in those that are not fluent or practiced in conversation - ie, introverted, shy and reserved people.

everything you say to anyone is on some level, "manufactured" unless you're asking for something that has a purpose such as 'pass the salt' everything else is manufactured or just thrown out there without seemingly a purpose. May I suggest this idea though? It is not fake, it is not, unless, you're making something up that is a complete lie. It may be just random small talk that seems unimportant at the time but something needs to be said to break the ice and get some words moving. There are no rules against that - only rules and restrictions you place on yourself in your own mind. Not claiming its easy but you have to stop doing that.

First, forget the feminists. They are clearly not the target of your interest and have no power over the individuals in question unless, they themselves are feminists also. Feminists, or any other societal group has influence over the grand scheme of things but individually have no power over your thoughts or actions or anyone else's for that matter. Unless there is a law, regulation or other legal restriction on your actions, there isn't anyone standing behind you wagging a finger if you say the wrong thing, make the wrong move, or approach a woman that this imaginary person doesn't see as fitting. Free yourself from this restricting thinking that society itself has anything to do with your personal actions and choices.

Are there conversations going on between groups, on forums, the web, radio and tv about how things "should be" ? Are there groups of women calling out who they think is creepy and why? Sure. But who cares. There are also groups of Christians (myself being one btw so I'm not judging) that are talking about the morals of society and about individuals and what should be. Do you allow the moral values of Christian groups influence whether you do one thing or another, that is, if you're NOT a Christian? If you're not a Christian yourself, you likely don't let their beliefs, actions and conversations affect you. That, my friend, is part of society too. Society itself has many differing views and sets of regulations or morals, etc. you globalize this so called society thing as if there is a singular view on how males "today" should be, how women should be etc. but I'm telling you it depends on which group you're paying attention to. For that reason, I say, make your OWN decision, do what you feel is right and good and you'll be fine. Forget the societal stereotypical idealogy.