I seem to have a big problem approaching girls in public places. The strange thing is I know what to open with and how to keep a conversation, but for some reason the approach is whats killing me. Any advice on how to get over this?

Maybe you are starting with too much. Today go up to 5 random people you don't know and don't work with and ask them simply the time. Tomorrow go up to 5 random people and make small talk about the weather, news, or some other small talk BS. Day after that go up to 5 girls and ask them where is a good place to get nice clothes for you? That will help your approach anxiety. You don't have to do it all at once, but maybe start with simpler task to build your confidence and then move to opening.

Take a step back and get this down. I still have some AA in the field, but I've supressed most of it. Of course, keeping to the 3 second rule helps as well.

GOOD LUCK!

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Been around the world twice, Talked to everyone once...

Alcohol. Just kidding... kinda. It definately helps.

Really you just need to not care. Don't try your first approach on your high school dream girl. Just go to the grocery store and approach the first female not over 50 there. You don't have to do anything but talk to them. "Have you ever had this cereal?" "How do you know if apples are good?"

Its like any skill, with time you'll realize its easy. Humans are by nature social and deep down we all want someone to talk to. You just have to make them forget that guys hit on girls long enough to start a conversation. Asking a question makes their brain think about something other than that. That's why I like questions. Once you realize its easy you'll get more confidant doing it. Then try it on a HB4, then HB5, and so on until you can talk to HB10 with no prob. If you ever fail, go back to the grocery store and do it until you you're confidant again.

Do you think my problem could be that I aim too high for a guy with approach problems?

Not at all.

I only suggested starting lower because you may feel more comfortable and less intimitaded with a girl you're not interested in. Once you feel comfortable at a certain level move up to the next level, i.e. a girl that is makes you a little more nervous. This will probably a prettier one, but she could very well be smarter if that's what intimidates you.

Whatever you use to value girls a 10 or a 1 is personal preference. I have a friend who loves seriously nasty girls as long as their tall (he's 6'8"), and another who likes big girls (he's a sicko). What's important is getting over the mental hump you have. The first time its hard so give yourself every advantage by starting with a girl who doesn't really intimidate you. If I asked you to approach and start a convo with your mom you wouldn't have a hard time right? Then your sister? Your cousin? A friend? A friend of a friend? Just keep moving to more and more challenging targets and you'll build confidence.

That's what I'd do. The other school of thought is to just go for it and jump into the deep end. But I find its hard for a shy guy to go straight up to the girl of his dreams without any other approaches under their belt.

Everyone has approach problems just remember that. I am starting to get over it by taking my friend out with me. He knows what I am doing and makes sure that I stay focused and don't use any excuses. Honestly just jump right in you may be surprised with how easy it starts to get after a couple positive responses.

I guess I'm trying to make too much of a serious thing of it all rather than having the who cares mentality.