Openers are mostly, "Consider X with me. I like it," or, "Consider Y with me. I don't like it." Picking "the perfect" topic isn't really important. I think open

Openers are mostly, "Consider X with me. I like it," or, "Consider Y with me. I don't like it." Picking "the perfect" topic isn't really important. I think openers are largely about finding something both of you have some perception of and some feeling about. That's why the weather works -- everyone is aware of it and has some kind of feeling about it. That initial share of feelings gives you a sense for whether they want to talk, and what questions might work next. Those questions are where your choices get interesting. Note that someone might be receptive even if they don't say anything interesting. If they smile and look open to talking, they probably are.