Letzbloud:
Although I may be one of the last people you should get relationship advice from as I am currently single, I am a bartender and a scholar so I'll tell you what I know.
First of all you need to make sure you are making an effort to look attractive. Although the saying goes "beuty is only skin deep" it is the first thing people notice about you and the first thing that will get a girl interested enough in you to talk to you if she doesn't know you. Don't forget that confidence can often make up for a lack of physical good looks if used properly.
It is often said that a girl decides whether or not she would ever date you or sleep with you in the first 5 minutes she meets you, so make a good first impression. Common things that would get you disqualified on first sight might include:
Stupid Haircut
Dirty teeth, nails, or any other body part
body odor
strong cigarette, cannabis, or alchohol smell
Attitude problem
Staring like you have never seen a girl before
Once you've actually made contact with a female and decide you find her attractive, it is important not to force the issue of attraction on her or come across as desperate (which you obviously are, along with half of the male population). If you are nervous when talking to her try and find a common interest that you are comfortable talking about, making sure to let her speak as well (don't dominate the conversation). Don't be afraid to put her at ease by cracking jokes (funny ones) or teasing her in good fun, a little laughter often goes a long way with women.
Be yourself, but don't be your bad self. Many guys think that they need to be blatantly honest with a girl up front about all of their hang ups. We all have problems, but she does not need to know them right off the bat, rather she should know the good things about you. If you think this is underhanded, consider what she is probably holding back from telling you.
Some topics of conversation to avoid would include ex's, family problems, health problems, legal problems, etc. These things can all be addressed when you know each other better if you ever get to that point.
When you are comfortable and you have gotten some sign that the girl is into you (body language, certain "looks", or just a great rapport) ask her if she would like to get together sometime. If you know her interests you can ask her to something specific, if not just say you'd like to see her again and ask for her number. If she says she'll take your number and call you instead, be alert, this is a common scam tactic and she will most likely not be calling you (she is trying to avoid an awkward rejection of you that would hurt your feelings in front of her, it's easier to break hearts from a distance). At this point she may just shoot you down and say No, instead of getting upset handle it cooly, she may be shy or not trust you yet or she may be already seeing somebody else so don't make an *** out of yourself or you will kill any potential future with this girl. Whatever you do, don't abuse her phone number by calling her the same day you met her or calling her repeatedly, also avoid leaving stupid or drunken messages. Alternatively she may just not be attracted to you romanticly and just want to be friends. This can be tough because obviously you already like her, but sometimes the best relationships develop from friendships and it's better to have more friends than less so go for it. Don't forget with all of these rules that all girls are different, some may like you more if you have legal problems or are mean to them, some are shy and want you to dominate the conversation or are agressive and prefer you to be shy, you have to feel them out on a girl by girl basis.
One last piece of advice I'll give you is to stop thinking about this subject, I've heard it said time and time again and seen it in my own life, you never really find someone when you are looking for them (especially desperately), rather they often fall out of the sky when you are not looking for them. In other words concentrate on things like your academic or professional life and the rest will follow, don't focus on your romantic life if you do not have one.
Good luck!
"Mac, you ever been in love?" - "No, I've been a bartender all my life."
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