Most of the time, it’s okay to be nosy. A more polite way to describe that is curiosity.
If you make eye contact, wave, and say, “Excuse me,” you are off to a good start.
Learn to ask indirectly. Feel out when to push and when to pull back. Know when to offer to put in some effort, and see if they may change their mind.
There are many indirect ways for someone to say no. Try not to be insensitive. Listen carefully.
Everybody feels a degree of discomfort when they need to initiate a conversation. Don’t let that feeling stop you.
When you experience rejection, be proud of yourself because you got closer to a yes than you would have been without asking.
“What’s the reason…” feels much easier on the ears than, “Why…”
When you don’t ask, you’re saying no to yourself. It will happen in spite of your best efforts. Be easy with yourself.