I posted this in the singles rant thread, but more specifically, I'm looking for some advice. I know it'll probably be the same old same old, but I really don't care right now.
I'm 19, never been on a date with a girl, never held hands, etc. I haven't really had any female friends either (unless it's through another one of my male friends). According to some of them though, I'm very attractive (which I still can't bring myself to attribute that to myself) and really shouldn't have any trouble meeting someone.
I'm at a big University and involved in a club (fencing) so there should be plenty of opportunities to at least meet someone. However I'm cursed with being the quiet type of person in lectures and class.
Really though I don't even think I'm that quiet. I'm just bad at starting conversations/meeting people. Particularly with girls. However, of the girls I have gotten to know somewhat, they are not one's I'd be interested in.
So pretty much I'm lonely, I can't start conversations with strangers, and I'm starting to feel like I'll never meet someone.
Two things girls love to talk about: themselves and other people.
Let's say in fencing club a girl you've got eyes on has a certain technique or style. Compliment her on it and ask her about it. Or if you see someone else doing something unusual make a wisecrack about it. If you're "very attractive" you should have no problem getting a positive response. Talk to them like you're doing them a favor. Don't look like some wall flower begging for attention.
And go out and practice on other girls in public, girls who don't make you nervous when you talk to them. Like cashier girls.
Don't bother trying to find a girlfriend right off the bat.
First practise speaking with women that you find unattractive or interesting and non-threatening, just casually or as friends.
You should find it easier, and it will get easier the more you do it.
The thing is, I don't have a problem actually talking to women I think. At the least it's not some sort of fear of women themselves. I'm very comfortable talking with the ones that I do know, but that's perhaps because I've come to know them through other people (ie. I'm with a group of people I'm already comfortable with).
I think the issue for me is simply starting conversations and carrying them perhaps. I think in part I may have an issue in regards to devaluing my own self worth and assume that because no one approaches me, that no one would want me approaching them.
Admittedly, a lot of this was just to vent and organize my thoughts, in addition to getting some sort of response. I'm going through a psychological rough patch in regards to me being single.
Still it's moments like these were I feel crazy enough to get out there and do something about it, but alas I feel as if I've got no where to start from.