If you are like me then you find it difficult to start a conversation with a random stranger; which is why i thought up the idea for this instructable. I thought of this while i was in Psychology ( I know i should be paying attention) but i was thinking of ways to start a conversation with the girl that was sitting behind me in class.
Then it hit me!!!!
the most innocent and fool proof plan ever devised!

Step 1: Gather the Supplies

the beauty of this is that it is so simple and there is not many supplies to get... woo!
what you will need
a lighter
a pen (preferably one that is similar to this)
a pair of pliers

Step 2: Dissassemble the Pen

you should be able to do this without the pliers but use them if you have to.

Step 3: Close the Ink Tube

take your lighter and make the non-writing end soft with the heat and quickly clamp down on the soft spot with your pliers.
this is the step that makes this work.
how it works:
the end of the tube is used to bring in air. and if an airtight seal is created then the ink will stop flowing after a certain amount of ink has left the pen, after that the pen will stop writing which creates the opportune moment to ask to borrow a pen.

Step 4: Reassemble: and Strategize

put the pen back together and you are ready for phase two.

Phase two:
when you are in class ( or other situation) and your pen stops writing simply turn around and ask to borrow the pen.
then at the end of class return the pen (here is your chance to converse) then say "thank you for letting me borrow your pen"
"want me to buy you lunch?" or some other comment that otherwise would require another way to ask such a question.

i realize that this might not work because some people are stingy with their pens :p but to me it seems like a good plan.
let me know how it goes if you decide to give it a shot. :)