[bluemetal]

Personally I find that being comfortable in my location really helps. As in I can be one charming man when I am at home, or at this coffee shop I always visit - but less so in new places.

Another thing I've noticed is how much easier it is to talk to someone once you've seen them trip up somehow (like forgetting a word or dropping their phone), I guess it's to do with perceiving status relative to your own. And it's only a matter of time before that person who seems intimidating does something silly/humanizing, see if you can wait it out.

Also look out you don't make things worse while you try to make them better, jumping in too deep too fast and panicking can play havoc with your fight or flight response - don't accidentally condition yourself to run by packing up and leaving every time the bar gets crowded or something. Try riding it out instead (at least just once).

All of this comes from my experiences moving from highschool, where I had gotten into a rut, to university where I had to start over. And from talking to some family friends who work as counselors. As always take random internet advice like my own with a grain of salt.

Goodluck!