Today at the grocery store I met the eyes of a pretty African-American girl and it was only a glance that lasted a second as we passed each other.
Is it acceptable to talk to her when I’ve only seen her for a matter of seconds?
It’s one of the things where now I regret not talking to her. At the time when it’s happening I don’t want to intrude or I lack the confidence.
I’m 32 and I’m ashamed I can’t do that on the fly.
Yes.
Alternatively, you could hide in the dark and wait for her to come to you. Could happen. Yup. That’s totally plausible.
No - the proper response is to post a personal in the Reader! 
Yes, strike up a conversation with her!
Why not? It’s not against the law. Yet
You can request the appropriate forms from the post office. These must be completed in full and submitted along with two forms of ID, a certificate of good health, a letter from your current or most recent employer and any supplementary material you feel is relevant to your application. The Reproductive Council will typically return a decision with 6-8 weeks. If a decision is made against you, you may apply again after either; a period of six months has elapsed or, trial by lava*.
*strongly advised against.
How does a conversation like that go though?
“Hi. My name is Sundial, I think you’re pretty. Would you like to go for a cup of coffee sometime?”
Are you asking because you think she might be 16? Or, is it out of concern about shitting where you eat?
You aren’t supposed to shit in the grocery store. It irritates the other customers.
Serious answer: Yes, it’s okay to talk to her, if you do so in a nonthreatening manner, and you back off if and when she indicates that she doesn’t want to interact with you.
You’re 32. I take it this wasn’t a literal girl. As long as she appeared to be over 21 (or didn’t, but you had good reason to believe she was, like she was buying beer), then yes, it’s acceptable to talk to her.
However, I’m assuming you have normal social skills and can tell when a woman isn’t interested. If she is obviously not interested, let it go.
Also, I hope you got that the person who said “I think you’re pretty” is a good opening line was kidding. Women don’t actually react well to being told they are pretty by complete strangers who have barely said “Hi.” It’s too forward, and ever so slightly stalkerish. Better to comment on something in her cart. “Hey, I like/always wanted to try/where did you find that brand of [whatever],” is less creepy than “I think you’re pretty, total stranger.”
It helps if you spot something unusual in her cart.
Anyway, yes, it is OK to talk to a stranger. It is OK to ask a stranger out. Ask her to some place open, and agree to meet there, don’t offer to pick her up. Since you asked her, be prepared to pay, but if she wants to split the bill, let her, and don’t push the issue.
Again, if you get obvious “not interested” vibes, let it go.
I’ll suggest an exception: if she’s an employee of the store, then no, it’s not okay.
Actually, some newspapers used to have a personals section called “Missed Connections” that was perfect for this sort of thing.
No don’t pick up girls you’ll get arrested, pick up women.
It’s okay to try to start a conversation, and if it works out you can ask in a very low-key way if she’d like to have coffee - something like, “hey, I know this is going to sound crazy, and please feel free to say no, but would you like to grab a coffee together sometime? I can give you my phone number so you can call me later if you’d like to.”
One question: you mention her race. Does that matter in some way? I take it you are not African-American yourself - do you have a sense her reaction would affected by racial issues in some way?
Was this the SF Marina Safeway (aka Dateway)? If so, it is almost obligatory to ask her out.
Yes, as long as you can read body language and are willing to take no for an answer.
However, cold approaches usually don’t work. Women are usually wary of strange men.
Yeah, what he said.
If you start up a conversation with her, and have five or ten minutes pleasant chat, then by all means ask her for a coffee at the end of them.
If you can’t manage five minutes general chit-chat then … sorry it didn’t work out.
Just remember that vegetables are sensual. People are sensuous.
Super markets are one of the best places to meet girls as far as I am concerned. Gas stations with mini marts are up there as well.