Went out to try out some daygame with a fellow sedditor yesterday. We both managed to work past AA and get to hitting on some pretty good looking girls. We were 0 for (I think 6) though, no numbers. After that the mall was dead so we decided to call it a day.

While we worked past enough anxiety to approach, we were still clearly anxious once the chatting was on. This manifested itself in subtle, but consequential ways.

I on one hand, was less masculine because of it. Had less dominant presence than I normally carry myself with. Even though I'm a pretty tall and strong guy I just came off as a someone really easy to blow off (and I was blown off haha)

He on the other hand, didn't quite know what to say to transition. He's not a social recluse, he can have funny conversation. But he reported blanking out on what to say.

So, any guys have tips for calming down nerves in the moment? and/or tips for our specific symptoms of it? (or is "just do it a lot" the only advice that matters?)