I´m getting the formula wrong

So, long story short, I fell out of love with my crush after I noticed a few red flags and because I don´t think we have potential as a couple.

But anyways, I´m a hopeless romantic, I truly believe that love is still alive in this age of social media, hookup culture, and individualism. But I don´t seem to be able to find it, I may not go out much, but when I do, I don´t get approached, even when I try to approach people I find attractive I always back down or straight up fumble. 

So, to cheer me up and enlighten me a little, how did you guys met your partners? How did you approach? Is there a secret "formula" to have your "meet cute" that I´m getting wrong?