As a 26M I find this happens to me most often when there's someone I'd like to talk to or get to know better, but I don't have a "reason" to speak to them. Sometimes I think "screw it I'll walk up and start a convo" and it's like my brain just shuts down immediately and what little social skills I DO have VANISH
I'm already pretty bad at small talk, but when there isn't a situation that inherently warrants conversation I completely botch it.
I think the problem is that; if I need to be the one that approaches someone to start a conversation (as opposed to already being in a group), I feel like I'm asking THEM for something. So I subconsciously put myself below them by default.
Does anyone else experience this issue? Or have any methods that have helped? I only want to be able to put my best foot forward. I don't intend on forcing a conversation. Obviously if anyone shows disinterest in talking I disengage. But I feel like I'm failing from the jump and ruining any chance of a meaningful conversation happening at all.
Thanks!