Guys, I need your help.

I've studied game for several years and it's already changed my life for the better. Yet, my early game remains so bad as to be almost inexistant. The most glaring example: if a girl opens me, which has to be the easiest game situation possible, I don't know what to say or do. When the stars align and I can somehow move to a latter stage where I'm comfortable with the girl, I can handle things decently. This is not even an issue with approaching random girls. I've gotten crazy IOIs in several instances where I just can't figure what to do. In those cases it can feel like I'm shooting fish in a barrel but can't find the trigger.

I really want to learn and I'd appreciate any pointers you can give me.