Welcome to the forum.
Firstly I would disagree about gaming at school. I don't think it makes you look like a creep. (You think every person at that school who dates is a creep? That nuts.)
Secondly you're in luck as this topic has been discussed a thousand times already. You can search for answers... And I've pulled out a few threads from the results for you already as well:
not-sure-how-to-fix-a-certain-area-of-m ... 90360.html
why-you-feel-the-need-to-have-an-opener ... 90301.html
what-do-you-do-after-the-opener-vt20602.html
how-to-hook-conversation-with-her-after ... 85776.html
Read those. Do some homework. Watch a few YouTube videos on this topic (just go search for stuff) and then don't hesitate or wait: put it into practice. Get out there and TRY this stuff and find out what works.
Change what doesn't.
That's the only way to get good. Reading theory and forums will only get you so far and prepare you so much.
Good luck!