Strike up a conversation with any kind of female: in a cafeteria, grocery store, etc. It let you aquire some confidence for a real encounter.

It's a fair start, yes. But here's some tips for when you're ready, from one "nice guy" to another. Tip #1: Relax. They (normally) don't bite, unless you ask them too. Tip #2: Remember that women aren't these scary beasts that TV makes them out to be, they're just people too. Both flawed and perfect, just like you. Tip #3: Being the nice guy sucks as women like you, but don't seem to notice you. This is something that hurt me quite often as I'm the "nice guy" too. I'm not saying stop being nice, just find something (that isn't video game and/or porn related) to be passionate about. It makes you interesting. Just don't take it too far and make yourself creepy or scary. Tip #4: Women are more likely to like you if you take care of yourself. They see it as "if you can't take of yourself, I don't want to/shouldn't have to." Get yourself some (lots) good-looking clothes and wear them all the time and make sure to shower/brush your teeth. You'd be amazed at how many guys in their 20's fail to do this. Tip #5: This is by-and-far the most important thing to remember; there are girls who are never going to like you. It's not because you're not nice enough, cute enough, or just plain good enough, you're just not what they feel is right for them. Even if you really like them. Always remember that you can do many things, but you can't make someone love you, they have to want to or else it's not love. Tip #6: Don't babble. Girls love a guy who'll talk, but not if he's going on about nonsense. Tip #7: Be yourself. If you have to change the way that you are (in a big way) or lie to her to get her to notice you, then she's not worth it as once you're in a relationship, she'll know that you lied and/or you might get more than you bargained for. For better or for worse. Tip #8: Forget what TV has taught you about couples, very few (lasting) relationships start by the two having sex on the third date. Do everything/anything when it feels right, and never when it doesn't. If you want to try to kiss her on the first date (for instance) you could try, and you may succeed, but don't try too hard or come on too strong, or she'll think that all you want is sex. Tip #9: Women, like men, like someone who makes them laugh. Well, that's all that I could think of right now. Good luck!

It's a great start ^_^ I'm always pretty receptive to people who just start talking to me... And you shouldn't be too shy to ask for a number, or to hang out later if the conversation is going well.

Treat them as friends alongside male friends and deeper friendships will evolve and from there possibly a relationship. :o)

Sure... BTDT. I suggest you take some public speaking and theater classes - the ones that require you to get up in front of an audience. These can be experimental or regular theater. As you play the character, try to incorporate some of his assertiveness into your own life. I was a "shy guy", too. When I played "The Warrior" in Amphytrian 38, I had to learn to be aggressive in the role. One day, after a show, a couple of the girls, a guy, and I from the show, were leaving the theater, and he started teasing the girls. I went into assertive mode (playing), and told him to cool it. He smarted off to me, and I gave him a "play" shove. He took a "stage fall", blasting through the doors at the bottom of the stairs, and running into the wall opposite them, as if I had shoved him that hard. The girls "fawned" on me for "protecting" them. We ALL knew it was in fun, but I think I took some of it to heart, and became much more comfortable being at least a bit more assertive. Try theater. You learn a lot about yourself, both onstage and off. ;-)