I think, even if you have the long-term intention of finding someone to date, this is the best approach. Not only does it mean you totally avoid coming off as desperate, but I think if you’re actively looking to date then it can result in you holding them to ideals or standards they’re not looking to or necessarily able to meet. And it can limit the connections you can form - both people to date and just new friendships - because you find yourself dismissing people who don’t meet your pre-established idea of what you’re looking for.
The fewer expectations you can place on someone, the more chance you have of forming a connection.
I think, even if you have the long-term intention of finding someone to date, this is the best approach. Not only does it mean you totally avoid coming off as desperate, but I think if you’re actively looking to date then it can result in you holding them to ideals or standards they’re not looking to or necessarily able to meet. And it can limit the connections you can form - both people to date and just new friendships - because you find yourself dismissing people who don’t meet your pre-established idea of what you’re looking for.
The fewer expectations you can place on someone, the more chance you have of forming a connection.