Hi. Sorry if I'm breaking etiquette by not lurking for very long. I have an intro (can't post the link; forum won't let me).

(I have trouble cold-approaching chicks in public social settings (as opposed to parties inside my social network), but I'll save that for another time.)

The main hang up I have is physical. Basically, due to a domineering female, and misandrous, presence in my childhood I've been freaked the fuck out about being a creep. I'm fine if she initiates it, but I realize that's not the broader social norm.

This is something I definitely want to get beyond. As far as I know, I have decent instincts. I've never been turned down by a girl I felt was interested, so I'm at least in the ballpark of knowing what's going on. But, as in much of my life, I'm a (self) control freak, and don't trust myself.

I've been doing things to challenge that in the big picture, like taking up activities where I have to think in the moment, but I have to deal with this directly. I'm not seeing anyone right now, but I'm eager to fight this fear, take that leap of faith.


EDIT:

I wanna add that this is an involuntary emotional thing. Intellectually, I know it makes no sense. I know they often want the same thing I do. I don't have any illusions about their inherent specialness, etc.