[kyro]

It's all about cockiness and really not giving a damn about possible outcomes. You also need to realize that many of the 'cool' people you talk to are caught up in a world of idiocy. Once you can pick up on the stupidity, you'll feel a lot more confidet and comfortable in approaching someone. I find that subtle sarcasm helps too.

If you're trying to approach someone who's not obviously part of the hip crowd, and from what you observe, they seem nice, approach them. You'll come to realize that people are as nervous and shy to talk to others as you are, so you're on the same level as most people.

[ErrantX]

an eye opener for me was when I happened to be hanging near this guy I hated but was in my group of friends. He was, really, an idiotic person (why I disliked him) but always seemed to be surrounded by women!

Of course you'd figure he has his patter down too a tee and knows just what to say: but not at all - he was just loud and thick (partly put on, partly genuine) and controversial... people loved it in the short term but they wouldnt hang for more than 20mins or so (unless they wanted a bit of him). I cant even remember what he was saying (mostly along the lines of "what do you do" closely followed by "can I feel your tits" or something...)