how to get over shyness and fear of rejection

i've struggled with these problems all my adult life, struggled with my self esteem as well, but also i never learned the social skills of how to communicate with women and never had an official girlfriend, but did have a lot of sex with girls in my youth.

there's this lady on my facebook friends who was a class mate back in primary school, weeks ago she responded to my post and told me she loved me, and that, ' any time i need to catch up, just get in touch with her'....i told her thankyou, that i love her too, and i i will do.

but i've not been in touch since because, i have these problems and i don't know how to get over them....i'm afraid of rejection for one, so that stops me from chatting to women....plus i am very socially awkward and never know what to say to them, or how to maintain a conversation?.......i'm shy as well, and i do have low self worth at times...and i'm aware these things scare women away.....i know desperation is definitely not attractive and repels women.

i would like to pm my old class mate on facebook, take her up on her invitation, but i wouldn't know what to say to her, she is attractive and a redhead, very pale as well, which i like....but i don't want to make any mistakes or say the wrong thing, which could cause me rejection?

has anyone ever felt like this or knows how to get over it? then i'd appreciate your help.

ajent86 · 56-60, M

There are three possible outcomes.
1) You go out and don’t end up in any sort of amorous situation and you’re disappointed. Not the end of the world. The no action date can be due to you saying something that turns her off, or she’s turned off by your indecision. There are a million reasons why maybe it doesn’t work out. But if you do your best and treat her respectfully (and being a generous tipper is a good idea too), you should come away feeling good about the effort. It’s also a learning experience . You can live with that.

2) You go out and enjoy her body. Maybe she enjoys yours too. It’s exhilarating to score with a high school crush.

3) You come up with reasons not to see her and regret it when the window closes. You won’t touch her if you don’t see her. Can you live with that?