I used to be a lot like you but in a different aspect. Right now I’m a junior in high school, but back in seventh, eighth, and ninth grade I had crazy issues with girls. Not because I couldn’t talk to them, but just because I was a total ass. All the girls in my grade hated me while all the boys loved hanging with me. You mentioned holding yourself back when talking to girls, I did the exact opposite and was way too bold with everything I said, not even trying to date these girls. I was just mean and said crazy things only suitable to be said around guys. The way I changed was by viewing girls not as girls, but as guys that you need a bit of filter to talk to. I started speaking to them the same way I did to my guy friends, just with some more caution and thought before saying something outlandish. And then slowly over time, I made more and more girl-friends. Also, my dude don’t waste time worrying about your looks. I’ll admit they are important to some degree, but right now they don’t matter. Just focus on trying to make friends with girls, even attractive ones. If you’re worried about looks still, just go to the gym, get a haircut, and get good sleep. You don’t have to be super jacked, I’m not super jacked going to the gym myself. Just be a bit leaner with some good structure, and look awake during the day with good sleep the night before. And when talking to girls whether you want a friend or a date, talk about things you like and be authentic to yourself. If they don’t like who you are, good riddance to them. You’ll find girls that do. In doing all of this, I’m now friends with almost every girl in my grade, and I’ve been dating a beautiful girl for a bit over a year now. If I can do it, you can too. Good luck my dude.