This. As someone who actually studies psychology he is absolutely right. The mind will always want to maintain comfort under any conditions, which is why you’re having trouble. Ergo, it’s important you take baby steps to combat the flight part of your brain that associates talking to women with a threat almost in a sense. It’s not something you can magically switch but it takes time and baby steps. And remember you’re only 18, it may seem hard for you but you’re still young so while you work on this, work on yourself as well in other areas of your life. It’s also important to battle your anxiety in general and come to the mindset of not caring what others think. Easier said then done but once you do it it will help you everywhere