codyw1 wrote:It's not like I'm getting much as it is.

codyw1 wrote:Crippling shyness around a certain someone.

are these events connected?
Poor Ian. Being yourself sounds like very good advice. Unless you’re me in which case it’s not. But as it’s you then you can’t go wrong.
More unsolicited advice from Auntie Snaps’ Agony Column:
Keep playing a strong theme tune in your head like the Dr Who theme, James Bond theme whatever. Anything bullish that makes you feel more confident

It will distract your unconscious mind from short-circuiting your conscious mind with self-doubt.

If you are naturally shy, play it as a strength not feel it is a weakness

Big yourself up, Mr ‘cool as a mountain stream’ Ian Moderator, Man of Mystery, play on the ‘still waters run deep/ dark horse’ fantasy.
Smile plenty

(but DON’T grin or let your tongue drool!)

nod lots

if you can’t find the words don’t mumble

– let your eyes do the talking (think of Agnes in FA)

Reverse some processes, like breathe IN through your mouth and OUT through your nose. Exhale slow and sexy, making a slight noise just slightly the wrong side of sounding like an untamed beast
Relax because you know you have a few ‘stock phrases’ ready to trip out if you feel you’re getting tongue tied e.g. ‘I’m sure someone as intelligent as you will understand where I’m coming from’ / ‘I reckon someone as sensitive as you will know how strongly I feel’. She won’t. But the point is you are paying a compliment. She’s not going to disagree

We all like compliments, it is the bait to come back for some more!
Good luck and I’ll bill you over the net for my professional advice. I take paypal and all major credit cards.
