# Overcoming Approach Anxiety: My Journey of Confidence Building
Written on
Chapter 1: My Challenge Begins
In 2016, I embarked on a daunting challenge aimed at conquering my fear of approaching attractive women. The task was simple yet terrifying: I would approach two women on the street every day for 50 consecutive days. To be honest, it was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. Each day, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me at the thought of initiating conversations with strangers. There were countless moments when I questioned my decision and wished I had never started. Adding to the pressure, I shared my experiences publicly on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, which amplified my fears significantly.
However, that was a long time ago. Thanks to those efforts in confronting my anxieties, I can now approach women anywhere with ease. The lessons I learned during that period were invaluable; they taught me that time continues to move forward and that the fears we hold can be temporary. The key takeaway? You must decide which discomfort you prefer: the fleeting pain of change or the enduring pain of stagnation.
#yourchoice
Now, let’s dive into the details of my encounters during this challenge.
Section 1.1: The First Encounter
Woman Number 1 – Unknown
The first woman I approached was a Black girl chatting with a friend outside a store. I hesitated for a moment, then made the decision to enter a nearby shop to gather my thoughts. After a few seconds, I approached them and said:
ME: "Hey, I just had to say that you look amazing."
HER: (Glancing at her friend and then back at me) "Oh, thanks a lot."
An awkward silence followed as neither of us knew what to say next.
ME: "How are you both doing today?"
HER: "Good, thanks, but have a lovely Christmas."
Another pause ensued.
ME: "Okay. You too."
I promptly excused myself, relieved to escape the situation, and surprisingly proud of myself.
Section 1.2: The Second Encounter
Woman Number 2 – Samira
My second encounter was with an Indian girl named Samira as she entered Sainsbury’s Express at Victoria Station, just as I was exiting. I took a step back inside and complimented her, saying she looked fantastic. She responded with laughter, saying, "I can’t believe you just said that. My face is tired!"
I reassured her that she looked great, but she then mentioned that she had a boyfriend. I wished her a Merry Christmas and made my way to Starbucks to jot down my thoughts for this post.
Chapter 2: Unexpected Connections
While writing this entry, I had an unexpected encounter with a French family who asked if they could charge their phone using my laptop. I gladly obliged, and we ended up chatting. I shared some local recommendations for their time in London and even snapped a selfie with them before heading back to Birmingham.
This interaction wasn’t part of my original challenge, but it was a delightful addition to my day.
16 days down. 34 to go.
If you're enjoying this content, follow me on Telegram for daily insights into dating that you won't find on Medium.
