[ETERNAL WARMING]

I am older and now wiser. LOL The turning point for me came when I realized that people were just like me. They too felt shy, didn't know what to say, etc. It made it easier for me to approach them once I realized this. It was just about sharing, not I'll die if I bomb this conversation. If there's someone in class, talk about the class or the test or the assignment. Talk about the fields they're pursuing...what they hope to do with their lives. Put some humor into it. It makes them less afraid of you.

[rwfromkansas]

I do that, but it only goes so far and I never seem to think of things to talk about that don't deal with class, work, current events etc. It blows my mind how some people I sit with at lunch think of all this cool stuff to talk about and transition into it so wonderfully.

[potlatch]

The turning point for me came when I realized that people were just like me. They too felt shy

This is a good point from Eternal Warming! I'm an older woman, and I used to be shy and self concious when I was young. It's basicly a fear of being laughed at. I remember the 'popular' kids saying and doing stupid things, but it didn't seem to bother them!?

All the good advice has already been said on this thread, such as asking questions of people. Make one really good friend with another guy and start doing things together. It will give you confidence, Good luck!!