Right words, Wrong Person

Today, while out running errands, I was approached by a younger man, part of a duo loitering in front of the bank atm I needed access to. When I asked if they were waiting in line, he replied with a line of his own, saying "no, but I'll wait for you.". I told him "don't" and that I believe I am too old for him anyway. I wish I could say the exchange was over then but he continued on, throwing in a very inappropriate suggestion as to what he wanted to do to me, to which I hastily responded, without showing the inner shock I was experiencing, that it wasn't nice to say that to someone. When I walked away, I thought about the fact that what he said wasn't a terrible thing to say, only to say, unsolicited and to a stranger.

The truth is, most women would want to hear that from the man they were interested in, and I kept replaying it in my mind, imagining a future partner saying the exact phrase. It reminded me of how myself and so many other people seem to get the right treatment, right intent, or right words but from the wrong person. Is it possible to have it all?

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As a single person, how can you safely practice the art of dating and seduction as you wait for your desired partnership? Those in relationships, what was your mindset in the time between the last kiss of the frogs and the debut of your prince(ss)? How do you keep yourself optimistic surrounding your dating life, especially during times of seemingly dry spells, or negative experiences? What do you tell yourself?