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well, first of all, remember that one's own nerves are always more noticeable to oneself than to others. setting that aside.... you just kind of have to take the plunge and try to talk to someone, and then maybe you run out of stuff to say, and then that's ok cuz you'll catch them next time. if you feel like you said/did something stupid, congratulate yourself for trying despite the fact that it was hard. in my experience, and with those of a lot of people i've talked to over the years, the best approach is to just be yourself, don't try to be overly tough or cool or like you don't care, and someone who appreciates YOU for who you are will respond. and if they don't, it's on to the next one.... believe me, when i was your age, i couldn't imagine that i'd ever like anyone more than than the person i liked at that time, but other people always come along. so dont' sweat it if the current person doensn't work out, just learn from it, keep doing the things you like to do (the best way to meet people, i think), and always remember that life is most interesting when you take chances (just not stupid ones like bungee-jumping or playing the lottery). and if worse comes to worse, and you're panicking in the heat of the moment, just remind yourself that it's all a big mystery that no one understands, and that it's all just too crazy and absurd, enjoy the ride, etc.... AND that we've all been thru it at one point or another. AND (i keep thinking of things to say) that as you get older you will learn to value yourself more and that, saccharine and cliched as it may sound, that's really important and helpful in these and all other life matters.

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