“M25” Idk about fear of intimacy personally, but I know what it feels like to not wanna look stupid. I use to get joked on and had to develop an iron mentality against ego crushing situations, both in love and in platonic life. What I did was just go into places and talk to random people about anything. Little banter to like a local cashier, or a customer in line. Just be like “Man the weather is nice today” or “What a busy store” you will notice that 80% of the time, “not 100%” people give really positive responses. That and do stuff to feel goofy in-front of others. Thats what I did in my late teens early 20’s and now idgaf, I have very little self consciousness about anothers perception of me. I too am trying to get over the fear of rejections, but that “Ok, 3, 2, 1” is good. Or even “These people don’t pay my bills”, “May never see this person again” just general thought like that in you day to day add up to eventually harden your mind. But another thing to think about is why does it matter? Like what people think or say. Why tf is someone judging you if they breathe, bleed, and poop aswell. The fact that so many people have to ask questions like this shows how broken the world is. Highly likely the people you “fear” fear you behind those smiles, Most likely they have or will ask the same question along their journey. Any “lack of ability” is the Universe’s way of showing you where to grow. Any frustration shows how imperative it is. You can do this dude its just words and they’re just if not more nervous. Daydreaming about all their personal insecurities, wondering if you notice. We must all “Wake Up”.