If you have ever found yourself wondering how to begin a genuine face‑to‑face conversation with a woman in today’s fast‑paced, digital‑first world, billionaire investor and Pershing Square Holdings CEO Bill Ackman has recently stepped forward with an unexpectedly simple suggestion. The seasoned financier took to the social platform X to reflect on how many young men in contemporary society, despite being constantly connected online, often admit to struggling when it comes to initiating conversation with women in person. Sharing a piece of personal history, Ackman described the straightforward line he used during his own younger days—a phrase that he claims served him well whenever he wished to introduce himself. His proposed approach, as unpretentious as it is direct, was simply: “May I meet you?”
This short sentence, stripped of rhetorical ornament yet laden with old‑fashioned courtesy, immediately captured the internet’s collective amusement and curiosity. Over the course of a single weekend, Ackman’s post accumulated thousands of comments—roughly 4,200 by some counts—demonstrating a spectrum of public reactions. Some users playfully mocked the statement by transforming it into memes, while others engaged in sincere debate over whether such a line might actually rekindle authentic interpersonal communication in an era increasingly dominated by dating apps and algorithmic matchmaking. The discourse ranged from ironic humor to genuine endorsement, illustrating how even the simplest expressions can ignite complex cultural conversations.
Predictably, many X users decided to weigh in with witty retorts. One contributor quipped that Ackman’s suggestion seemed better suited to a nineteenth‑century British novel than to present‑day flirting, joking, “This isn’t 1850s UK.” Another commentator countered in the language of modern internet slang, dubbing the phrase “peak rizz,” suggesting that, despite its old‑world politeness, the line carried an undeniable charm. Ackman himself entered the digital fray, responding to users with characteristic composure and humor. When a commenter admitted to having used the phrase on a woman in a coffee shop only to be politely rejected, Ackman replied with encouraging simplicity: “Try again.” To another user fearful of rejection, he offered the reassuring sentiment, “Do not worry about being turned down—the wrong girl for you is simply her loss and your gain.”
Naturally, not everyone was convinced that Ackman’s line succeeded purely on its merit. A user insinuated that his financial status might have tilted the odds in his favor, implying that the confidence of a billionaire could make any opening line appear irresistible. Ackman quickly dispelled that assumption, remarking that at the time he used it he “didn’t have two nickels to rub together.” This response reinforced the notion that sincerity and respectful confidence, rather than wealth or status, formed the true core of his advice.
As the conversation spread, some participants began to champion Ackman’s message. One admirer praised him for “taking dating off the apps with a single X post,” suggesting that his call for direct interaction resonated with an audience weary of virtual courtship. Another called the phrase “corny, maybe—but authentic,” acknowledging that genuine simplicity can sometimes cut through cynicism more effectively than clever lines or digital overtures.
What followed was an explosion of internet creativity. The phrase “May I meet you?” rapidly evolved into a viral meme, inspiring countless reinterpretations and humorous experiments. Tech influencer Nick O’Neill, well known in online crypto circles for his comedic persona, even tested the line in real‑world situations—first on a crowded New York City subway car, and then in a public park. Neither attempt appeared to yield romantic success, but the performance drew laughter from onlookers and widespread amusement across social networks. Laughing at his own theatrics, O’Neill announced to the car of unsuspecting commuters: “Attention, ladies of New York City, may I meet you?” before jesting that anyone interested should kindly “line up single file.”
Elsewhere, users experimented by opening conversations with their Hinge matches using the same phrase, while others wove it into a series of pop‑culture memes. Images of celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Shane Gillis, Joe Biden, and JD Vance were edited into “May I meet you?” jokes, merging the simplicity of Ackman’s line with the chaotic humor of modern meme culture. There were, of course, detractors who argued that Ackman’s advice displayed a disconnect between generations. One meme featured actor Steve Buscemi disguised as a teenager from the popular “How do you do, fellow kids?” scene—captioned “May I meet you, fellow kids?”—an ironic jab suggesting that the financier was attempting to embrace youth culture in awkward fashion. Another poster humorously lamented, “You Boomers have no idea what you’ve unleashed,” implying that Ackman’s post had inadvertently become a catalyst for full‑scale internet absurdity.
For Ackman, however, this surge of online attention was hardly new territory. As an active and often verbose presence on X, he is known for long‑form posts that stretch into thousands of words—so much so that he once humorously dressed up as one of his own posts for Halloween. His latest viral moment, though comedic in nature, also carried an underlying message about the value of direct human engagement. Ackman gently reminded his followers that the phrase was not confined to men approaching women; it could just as easily serve as an invitation for women seeking men, or for individuals of the same gender wishing to establish a connection. His inclusive remark framed the question as universally applicable—a simple yet respectful gateway to conversation, regardless of gender dynamics.
In a follow‑up message, posted after the initial frenzy, Ackman elaborated on the practical context in which his line performs best, noting that it tends to work most naturally “when you are moving”—implying a fleeting encounter, such as walking past someone or sharing a moment in a social setting, where genuine spontaneity heightens the charm. Adding a touch of anecdotal success, he mentioned having heard that a Stanford undergraduate had already applied the phrase to positive effect. He concluded with a reflection that encapsulated the spirit behind the entire episode: “A world where human interaction is encouraged and rewarded is a better world.”
Taken together, the story of Ackman’s three‑word query reveals something larger about contemporary culture. In an age where social connection is often filtered through screens and curated profiles, a simple, polite question—voiced earnestly and face to face—reminds us that the art of meeting someone new still rests on honest curiosity and mutual respect. Whether interpreted as a charming throwback or a viral joke, Ackman’s understated line succeeded in prompting millions to reconsider what it means to truly meet someone—not just online, but in the real world.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/bill-ackman-may-i-meet-you-advice-talking-to-women-2025-11
