So I am 20 years old, skinny twig, living in a small town right now. I'm on a gap year from college right now hoping to return this fall. Looking back on my first year and my time in high school I feel like I could have used some advice when it comes to girls. Throughout my life I have always struggled when it comes to understanding women and their intentions. I never seem to pick up on the cues of when they are interested. Even when I do I am still to afraid to jump the gun. Generally, I just assume when they show interest that they're just being friendly. Sometimes I wish they could just tell me directly but I know nothing is that simple. I'm fairly confident in speaking publicly, yet when it comes to girls that I find attractive i always struggle to remain cool and collected. Most of my first relationships I felt as though I had settled in some way even because they were the ones I was unafraid to approach. No offense to her in any way it was just that I wonder in some way its as if I have doomed myself to second rate women because I am less afraid of rejection if they are less attractive. It's absolutely the strangest thing to me.

tl:dr I just want know what the best tips are for recognizing the signs of interest and perhaps how to garner more. How do I build my confidence when it comes to talking to the opposite sex?