I realized yesterday that a big part of my approach anxiety stems from the underlying belief that it's an inconvenience for someone else to have to meet me. I don't consciously believe that, but when I think, "That girl's cute, but I don't know what to say to her. I better not approach her and look like an idiot," it means I think meeting me is something this girl doesn't want to do.

That's anti-confidence. So lately, I tell myself that the people around me would like to meet me. Approaching, or even just striking up small talk, is doing them a favor.

This mindset means the only person who doesn't want me to approach, if I don't approach, is me.

This isn't bullshit, either. Most people do want to meet you because only idiots don't want to make new connections. You never know when you'll strike up a conversation with your next employer, supporter, wife, or friend.

In fact, if we all took this to heart, everyone in the US would be a lot more talkative with strangers, and that would be awesome.