to all the guys like me who feel awkward opening a stranger up, I just want to share that, there is no logical reason one should have to hit on someone, so no matter how you try to rationalise or explain it, it won't work, you don't have to justify it,

if you like someone's smile or nose it's a totally valid reason to go talk to them, just as much as it's valid if you enjoyed this thing they did with their hand or how they greeted their friend or that little accessory they wear,

if you feel low value because you have a hardship in your life, simply don't bring the hardship in the discussion and assess what are the person's boundaries and dealbreakers are, for as long as you need (i.e spanning various encounters), chances are they're much more tolerant with you than you are, focus on what you've got going on, and use your best qualities to be engaging and friendly. Ask questions and listen too.

not getting overwhelmed by my expectations is my final challenge, after accomplishing some stuff that most people are intimidated with... so I just take the good advice found here and elsewhere and internalise it instead of applying it. neuro-linguistic programmation is important too, you need to convice yourself that you're happy to change your outlook and that it will yield results.

so just go for it ;) go say hi to that cutie already