So, in recent months I was struggling quite a bit with AA. I'd see a girl, have a rough idea of what I should open with, but never went through. I had never cold approached someone.

Today was different. My room mate and I drove to a pet store to buy some globes and food for a turtle we drove down from interstate last week. I saw (what I'd consider to be) a HB8 walk into the store, and my room mate commented on how attractive she was.

A switch just flipped in my head at that moment. I knew exactly what I wanted, and nothing was going to stop me. I walked in, looked around in the store and eventually walked up to her (she was looking at seahorses in a tank) and commented "Wow! They're awesome."

From there, we had a conversation. I based it around fish/turtles/aquariums, and had some good stories to tell as we went interstate the week before, went to an aquarium and bought a turtle which we brought back with us.

I got her name, and we sort of went separate ways. I went to find my room mate. Afterwards, I saw her paying and about to leave the store. I ran after her and said "oh hey, Sophie" and walked out of the store with her. That seemed a tad creepy to me, but I continued.

I said "You seem cool, we should hang out sometime" She replied "Oh, I actually have a boyfriend. I'm sorry!" I smiled and said "No worries, cya later" and walked back inside.

Whether she actually has one or was just blowing me off, I don't really care. I felt amazing. I saw some things I need to improve on, but it felt great to finally just approach and get over the fear.

So, to any of you struggling with AA at the moment... keep pushing. Keep working on yourself and realise that, honestly, nothing bad will happen.

If you did actually read through the above and have any tips, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Have a good day guys. :)