So I've lately come to realize what I think is the major thing holding me back: Being a huge coward.
This means everything from being scared of bugs, going on roller coasters, jumping into a cold pool (rather than getting in slowly), and as of getting into PU, talking up girls.
Now when I say talking up girls, I don't mean having a conversation with a buddy, class mate etc etc. I mean not being able to start an interaction with a female stranger while wishing to get her phone number.
I think some of this damaged my self esteem and social skills during my childhood and throughout school, and is now crippling my need to interact with women.
I will admit though that as of finding the forum, my inner game improved, and I've become a much more social person that has no problem interacting with a stranger, given that it's not an attractive women.
I'm sure there are many like me out there.... I know I have a few good friends who could relate, even though they won't openly admit it.
So what would you guys suggest to guys like me?

Shookie.

You said yourself you don't like jumping straight into cold water. Imagine attractive women like cold water. You need to work your way into getting used to it. So let's try something else in the mean time.

Maybe try approaching some women that you're less attracted to. Use your pick up techniques to get their number. You don't need to sleep with these women, they could even become good friends, you never know. But just get the feel of what each interaction is like, because a hot girl follows the same attraction patterns as some who is less hot, they just look different.

You could even get a wingman involved and use each other for a confidence boost.

Practice makes perfect.

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Can you feel my dick.. Fucking your mind..?

My Son, chill out. Forget about being social with "others" becasue you realy mean dudes. Start talking and hanging out with women. Make friends with them and be their shoulder to lean on and make them laugh. Mostly just listen to them. Dont worry about friend zone since you wont be getting any, anyway. Learn about women , what they like, how they think, feel, and yap about.

Once you KNOW women the transition to flirting with the one you like will be 10x easier since you hang with them all the time and know what they like. Then nature will take its course once you become brave and more aggressive. Your job eventually we be to get her to choose you. Women are the hunters. Don't hunt them. Seduce them.

Noble Casalupus say Seduction is art
"How to be Ridiculously Successful with Women for the Rest of your Life"

I didn't make myself clear enough in my first post:
I meant that I can't, in general, go and flirt with a total stranger while keeping in mind that I'd like to get her number. If she's hot, it's that much more challenging.
I've found that if it's a class mate (even one that I've never really spoken to before) and I need something (have a question etc) than I have no problem approaching even if she's hot.

facing-fears-getting-started-vt79129.ht ... ght=change

Basically, this post is on exactly what you need. To get started if you are afraid of facing your fears.

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I'm not trying to be a dick Ezo, but you're being a Pick Up Snob in my opinion.

bbardot: you just reminded me about porn

That was a great post Ezo, thanks.
Any more tips would be much appreciated.

Jasonfox, love the way you put it. Women are the hunters, we just seduce them. We choose them, but ultimately they choose us. We open, they essentially close.

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Stay High

"I'm savage as fuck, and willing and able and never got clowned cuz when it came around I was down to put my dick on the table"

Take it easy on the self-labeling. Being afraid of bugs or freaking out over a chat with a girl does not make one a coward. Focus less on your 'inner self' and start focusing more on actual game. Focus more on the actual exchanges that you'll want to have a with a girl. Put your energy into the things that you know you can change; it's far easier to change what you say than it is to change how you feel.

You're going to see a lot of ideas on this forum. Generally, extroverts game like extroverts. Introverts game like introverts. Douche bags game like douche bags. Intelligent people game intelligently. There's no reason to re-invent yourself and there is no reason to fight the person you are already. Just accept it and shine light to your positives.

This is todays truth!

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I'm not trying to be a dick Ezo, but you're being a Pick Up Snob in my opinion.

bbardot: you just reminded me about porn

Go out, conquer your fears, approach girls.

Fear is in your head, just put one foot in front of the other and don't think about consequences. Don't be careful, be careless.

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Hobbit: bph is a cool guy, eh talks about PUA and sex and stuff

Dude, you're 17..... relax.

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Women are like ceramic tile.... if you do the prep work, and lay them properly the first time...you can walk all over them for years to come.

Your point?

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Hobbit: bph is a cool guy, eh talks about PUA and sex and stuff