It’s probably a side effect of the Internet age that we’re seeing, but its troublesome. More and more, we see people who are socially paralyzed. They can chat, text, instant message, email, and even make phone calls, but as soon as they get another human face in front of them, their brain shuts down. Men and women become meek little monks and nuns with an oath of silence. Then after they’re done with their missed connection, both of them rush to the Internet to cry that they’re too shy to make the first move, and ask how they can do better next time.

This article on shyness and dating gives some good advice, but we’d like to emphasize another point which we just don’t see being addressed these days. That point being, don’t be afraid to fail.

Because you’ll fail. You’ll have your intended date laugh in your face, dump a drink on your head, stalk away, and complain to everyone about what a creepy stalker you are. This will happen, male or female. Get it into your head that it’s a necessary risk you’re going to have to take, and then dive in anyway.

Perhaps we can start a new kind of social function: the rejection party. Everyone get together, pair off, and then practice role-playing, where one of you hits on the other, and the other one turns it down in the rottenest way they can imagine. Then you switch roles and it’s your turn to be the dumper. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Do it a few times, and you’ll realize that it doesn’t kill you.