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However, I do not feel comfortable using "canned techniques" like the "cologne opener" or the "do I look gay with this" opener and such, partly because I have this fear that some people in the group may have already seen it done before, and partly because it feels like lying (which is uncomfortable and would ruin my confidence).
Dude, you just take the thing that is like the cure for your problems and say that you dont wanna do it. And you are looking for an alternative. Let me tell you, that is the alternative.
The optimal thing is to just walk up to the group and say, hey people, awesome party, Im XXXXX. That is called going direct. You dont have to worry about lying or anyone having heard it before. However, if you dont feel secure enough to even use the indirect game I dont think you will fell ok to go direct either.
About the guys having heard the shit before, make up your own opener man, thats what the experienced people do. You can open with anything.
Lying, thats just an excuse, I have heard and seen it countless times. You are making excuses to not approach because you are intimidated. Come on, we all lie, all the time. A mother telling her child the story of Sleeping Beauty, is she lying? No! She is telling a fictive story for the childs entertainment. To make the child feel safe and cared for. To make it feel good before going to sleep.
Why would an opener be any different? You are telling a story. Its not like you promise them that you are the president of Utopia. You create an excuse to have a conversation.
So get out there, man up and stop worrying about shit that only exists in your own head.
I know you can do it!
PS. Everybody (almost) feels uncomfortable before they get used to it, it is not a valid excuse.