How to socialize?

Welcome to the club. We all have the same problem. I tell you the secret, but you can't tell anyone.

You have to stop worrying about getting blown off by people. You have to realize that getting blown off by people doesn't change your world in the slightest. Not everyone is going to want to talk to you. Many will be too shy to respond. But if you keep trying you will find people who will respond.

Carrying on a conversation is even easier. There are two approaches. One, is to have a plan on things to talk about before you even speak. The other is easier and for more effective, especially with girls. All you do is keep asking questions about the other person. People like talking about themselves given the opportunity and by asking about them they will do the majority of the talking at first making it easier on you. Eventually they will ask you questions and you know how to answer questions.

But what do you say at first? Give the person a compliment. Like cool shoes, where did you get them? or you are so tall you must be good at basketball? The trick is to compliment them with a question that requires more than a yes or no answer. After they respond to your first question introduce yourself and allow them to respond, then begin asking about them with questions that aren't answered with yes or no. It actually takes practice and you may even want to make a list of questions to ask (and memorize it).

well that makes sense b/c you have to have something in common in order to have a conversation. i guess that's why so much conversation has moved online since you can look for the exact conversation you were just thinking of.