Dear Queenie,
I’ve never had a girlfriend. Sometimes I can get a girl to go out with me once, but that’s it. After that she just wants to be friend or not even that.
I get along with girls just fine in class or in a group, but when it’s just the two of us I just can’t think of anything to say and she thinks I’m not really interested or just plain stupid.
Queenie, what’s wrong with me?—Never been kissed
Dear Never,
Apparently you are very shy and it is interfering with your social life.
Presumably you are already acquainted with any girl you ask for a date, so before you go out with her, go over in your mind all the things you know about her. Then, when you are with her, do not try to find witty things to say, just ask her questions about herself and things you know she is interested in. Pay her a compliment. Talk about a class you are both in, or one she is in that you find interesting.
Do not be afraid to admit that you are nervous, especially on a first date. Some girls will find this cute, or at least will be sympathetic, and will try to help you relax. The ones who do not probably are not worth your time anyway.
And you would be surprised to learn how many girls also are nervous on a first date.
