This is something I've dealt with my whole life. The worst part is I don't recall ever reading something addressing this issue.

The gist of it is that I'm afraid to be seen as weak or unconfident or "less than" the other person. How does this affect my game? I avoid getting into situation where the odds are against me. If I think the probability of me failing or of appearing weak are great, then I dont go for it. For example: In daygame, sets that are walking fast or are emerged texting on their phones, I think they are going to see right through my approach that I'm desperate and weak (Why am I stopping someone that is in a hurry/ interrupting a busy person just because I like them? He must be really desperate) Sets that are 9's and 10's. If I go direct, they will see I have weak game, if I go indirect they will think I'm not man enough to establish a flirty frame quickly.

These fears mean I only approach 8's and below, and only when they look approachable, which is about 10% of the time. This translates to a learning curve that is 90% slower because that is the amount of sets im missing.

What can I do?

Exposing myself to my fear. I've made a resolution to myself to go out tonight and PURPOSELY enter those sets which are most likely to expose how weak and unconfident I can be. I am prepared to go through the pain. I must go through it otherwise I will be stuck in this weak frame.

But is this enough? Can anybody relate to this and give me some advice on how to not care about failing and appearing weaker.