Im waiting for my friend to finish getting her hair cut, and this HB8 walks in the room. I sized her up for a bit, confident in myself but for whatever reason i cant say hi. Maybe two minutes later a guy walks in, and he's wearing a martial arts shirt. I did silat for 8 years, so i feel like we could have a seriously solid conversation for strangers. But all i can do is think about what i would say, im not suffering AA (i dont think) cause hes just another guy. If it was the HB8 id be nervous as hell.

This was my opportunity to practice my approaching and social skills, but i feel binded and limited. What more can i do to maybe loosen up?

Sorry if this is an inappropriate question. I figured this was the right place to ask a self improvement question so i can eventually talk to HB8's. I also apologize for typos and grammatical errors, using a phone. . . . UPDATE: i completely missed the opportunity to talk to him, or the girl. But i read some of the comments, and later that day there was an old man in the store, and i was eyeballing the ramen noodles in his cart thinking "since when do old people eat ramen noodles?" (I'm 20 if the question sparked) and he actually made the first comment of the conversation by saying "you look thrilled to be here haha".

Now, 2 years ago i wouldve said "right?" Followed by nervous laughter, but i did what Recyclable and Deranged said. I got rid of my "dont ask about his food, you creep" thought and i said the first thing that replaced it out loud. I asked how he usually prepares the ramen noodles. Expecting him to say he boils them in water, but he actually said they were for his grandaughter whos 18. Then we had a small convo on how younger people usually eat that "junk" and i even recommended different ways to cook them.

I felt good afterwards, like i had just received alien communication responses. If it helps, i didnt exactly blurt what i wanted to ask, i said "Umm.." in a noticable manner. Intentionally getting their attention so they knew i had something to say, but at the same time it put a wall behind me, mentally. Meaning at this point, i couldnt back out if i wanted to, cause then things would be 10 times more awkward than simple communication. It was a really good idea on my part, i think. Because if i didnt do it, i most likely wouldnt have said anything to him at all.