Is it normal for a stranger to randomly ask to be friends?

1. A serial killer with no understanding of social boundaries.

2. An amazingly direct and ahead of his time person who has overcome social problems such as "how to make friends" by cutting out all of the tedious nonsense involved.

You're stuck between a violent death and evolution.

I'd probably do that and I think a lot of other people would. If he was bothering you then you should have said so. I think you just looked lonely in his eyes and he wants a friend. This is guy doesn't really sound like a weirdo. By "weirdo" I mean he doesn't sound like the guy who keeps dead bodies in the closet, just like a guy who wants a friend.

People have came up to me and talked about random things, but I haven't gotten a friend request like that since grade school.

Anyway, I met the guy a couple of times for coffee. He was pleasant enough to talk to, but we don't share similar interests. Nevertheless, he asked if I wanted to date him, and I had to awkwardly say "no".

So Cookiedough, you were right. Just lettin' ya know.

Hi, JBN. You don't seem like an obnoxious guy at all. /sarcasm

"In your little realm of social behavior, how is supposed to be friends with you without approaching you? I don't know why men even deal with women now a days."

Of course someone can't become friends with me without first approaching me. The question is whether the CONTEXT in which he approached me is normal. Usually, people meet each other in college through involvement in the same activities. Hence, the random introduction seemed abnormal.

"You are rude, unfriendly, and stuck up. I hope you get rejected by people who you want to befriend in the future and live a lonely and boring life."

JBN, you are the epitome of everything I don't understand about the Internet. What's the point in leaving nasty comments to some girl that you don't even know? Your bitter remark about men and women tells me that you are likely lashing out. I hope you get help with that soon.

"I bet he isn't that attractive. If he was hot you would be all over it. I forgot to mention that you are also shallow and judge people by their looks."

... Yeah. Definitely lashing out.

FOR WHAT?? You sure he was'nt a panhandler?

Why not be that persons friend?

I end up farting getting nervous when someone approaches. It was three in a row today

I bet he isn't that attractive. If he was hot you would be all over it. I forgot to mention that you are also shallow and judge people by their looks.

In your little realm of social behavior, how is supposed to be friends with you without approaching you? I don't know why men even deal with women now a days.

You are rude, unfriendly, and stuck up. I hope you get rejected by people who you want to befriend in the future and live a lonely and boring life.

Maybe he thought you are cute so he try to hook up with you. Be careful. Otherwise its pretty normal cause Im like that too. I just make friends at the most random places if they seem nice to me

I thought very much like #2 of tommythecat's post until I read that he was not a student. That sent all kinds of alarms ringing in my head.
Be careful, this isn't the internet; it's real life where an error in judgement could have dire consequences.

Thanks for your responses ... tommythecat, I lol'd.

More info: He asked for my e-mail address at the end of the conversation and sent me an e-mail a few days later, so I was deliberating whether I should write back.

Your mom/dad told you not to talk to strangers for a reason. It's well weird. Be careful.