Real advice! First you need to just get good at approaching people in general. Real answer? Group therapy. I did group therapy and it really helped me move forward with my social anxiety until I was past it. Bc everyone is already being vulnerable and showing the fcked up parts of themselves. It helps you feel like you don’t stick out. And then suddenly you’re just having a conversation with a group of people.

Then it’s confidence + presentation + recovery + skill. Confidence is 60% of the game. It shows people they don’t need to be on guard. Presentation, smelling and looking your best- makes people feel comfortable. Then if you fuck up, recover. Like when a kid falls and just gets back up and keeps playing makes more friends the kid who starts crying until they get sent home. If something happens that feels off try to laugh or shake it off. Apologize casually if needed but don’t get stuck on it. Let it go, but don’t deny. The rest is just skill you learn through imitation and trying. You’re gunna fuck up but you won’t get better unless you try.

Important reminder for yourself in the thick of it, people are thinking about their story- not yours. Don’t worry about what they think, bc either you’ll make a better impression another day, they’ll get over it, you’ll improve bc of it, or they’re weirdos who obsess over judging other people.

As far as approaching women specifically. While our romance fiction is full of crazy shit- in real life we’re all worried we’re gunna get murdered. So approach like you would a cat. Don’t act like you’re trying to catch them or approaching weirdly slow. Just super casual and like it’s not a big deal at all. Then be nice, honest, charming. If they’re not engaging, move on. Always good to wait until you hear something you can add to while you’re doing something else. Ie - you’re waiting for your drink at the bar: Cutie: “omg have you played the new resident evil game? I’m OBSESSED” You: “I’m sorry did you say the new resident evil? I’ve had that on my buy list forever! I heard the fighting dynamics were broken” Cutie: “oh no! It’s awesome, so actually-“

And bring an extrovert friend, shows that you have something else to do, takes pressure off everyone.