How do you decide whom to approach?

[SensualSue]

I mean if you've no mobile map and you're trying to find your way around in a new place? I'm fascinated by the psychology behind this as my current DP is constantly being stopped and asked the way, even or perhaps especially when he is in a new place, & more often by women or couples than lone men. I personally think it is because he is always well dressed and therefore looks respectable,, is often (not always) alone as he's self employed and travels for his work, has an open and gentle face and essentially exudes approachability. He also blends into his surroundings as it happens even more when he is abroad.
I wondered what your thoughts were, if you've experienced this as an asked or askee.

I'm often asked. I think if you look clean and tidy and approachable, seem fairly confident and as if you know the area you tend to get asked.

Interesting. The things is I know others who seem all 4 things you mentioned (myself included) who very rarely or never get asked.
Is there an X factor of approachability?

I think you look open to be approached. My dd has a problem around directions so has a horror of being asked so avoids eye contact . My ds loves being asks as is chatty and friendly and always gets asked. But if he sees the slightest need he responds while dd pretends not to notice in case she sends them the wrong way.

According to an old lady who I helped across the road I have a 'kind face' so perhaps there is something in looking approachable.

Firs time I went to London I was 11. I was with my parents and went by train. I was excited and walking quickly way ahead of them through Paddington station and a middle aged lady stopped and asked me which was it was to the Underground.

The number of times I've been in WHSmith or other shops and been asked by people where they can find such and such because they somehow think I am a member of staff is well into double figures.

I'd love to know why. I think I am extremely inapproachable on the whole and a right miserable git.

I'm always asked - even abroad when I'm obviously a tourist! Literally every day, I'm asked for directions in the city where I work, or I'm given a camera and asked to take a tourist's photo! It's a standing joke with my friends now.