Sort of. I met my children's father through mutual friends. I met my next relationship online and we didn't meet for several weeks because of scheduling conflicts (he was out of town, and then my daughter was in the hospital). I've met men through work, at school, etc.

I've literally never had a relationship where I met the man without any background info at all.

Being approached in public is almost never where long distance relationships begin. There are far too many variables for it to be successful very often, if ever. Like is she even single? Even without a ring, it's impossible to ascertain.