So I recently got out of a long term relationship, decided I wanted to start dating, and realized that I'm just not that great with women (or not as good as I can be). Not to be a douche or anything but I'm above average in terms of looks and I go to the gym 5 days a week, and really the only success I have had with women has been as a result of those two things. I'm scared shitless of approaching women or making any kind of moves, and I find that escalating on a first date is tough for me. So anyways, I stumbled upon this reddit community (there really is a subreddit for everything) and started checking out the materials in the FAQ. I've been watching some of the David Wygant videos and started reading "how to make friends and influence people". I've been trying to talk to everyone I encounter in my everyday life more (per the suggestion of one of the posts linked in the FAQ), and I really notice a difference in how much easier it becomes when I do it all through the day. I set up a POF account and have just been bombarding myself with dates in an effort to become more comfortable with the dating situation (practice makes perfect?). I seem to do ok, most of the girls are interested in seeing me again but my confidence and escalation are not where I want them to be. I guess it really just comes down to fear of rejection. I'm afraid if I try and bust out some kino escalation techniques on a girl that she's gonna be weirded out and its gonna get real awkward. Any tips you veterans have that got you over that escalation/fear hump when you first started out? Do tell.