Went to a house show tonight near my campus, and this was my first "infield" experience in a social setting like this. Approached countless girls, got nothing. Most were friendly, one flat out kept bringing up that she had a boyfriend, a couple were straight up unfriendly or too fucked up, but they (or I) always ended up leaving and I went and approached other people (girls alone, girls with their friends, mixed groups). Definitely wasn't sober: 2 beers and several hits from a dab pen, a bit too much for me. Eventually got tired and left. I know I'm not relaxed enough, but I'm working on it. Hitting the gym daily, eating better, lost 60lbs so far since January. Getting there.

One thing I did for every single approach was shake the girl's hand (which didn't really feel right). Then I proceeded to ask them if they were at my school, major, year, and free-associating from there. This always felt awkward and forming a connection didn't come naturally. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but should I stop doing this? And if so, what should replace it?

Background: grew up sheltered as fuck, kind of a social autist but I'm working on it. Been lurking on TRP for a few months now, and while I don't think I'm 100% on board yet, the ideas are interesting and make a lot more sense than what I was taught growing up.