Hi!

I’m [18F] a late bloomer when it comes to dating, relationships, etc. The first real date I went on was in my freshman year of college. Back in school, I focussed on studies and grades for a considerable amount of time and didn’t really pay a lot of importance to socializing. I did have a lot of friends and there were a lot of people who had a crush on me towards the end of school but I wasn’t particularly attracted to anybody. Since I’m turning 19 soon, I really want to get out there more and start dating actively, maybe get into a fulfilling serious relationship.

I’ve been told by some of my friends that I appear really closed off/ judgemental to outsiders at first. One of my friends even told me about a guy who was interested in me but he didn’t strike a conversation w me because he thought I was too reserved/distant. This is TOTALLY unintentional, I don’t want to appear this way. I’m a bit shy and socially awkward. I used to think I’m an introvert but it turns out I’m actually someone who loves to interact with people but doesn’t have the courage to approach people (just a socially awkward extrovert/ambivert). I’m also scared of what people think of me.

Any tips on how can be /appear more approachable and get into the dating scene?