Right, so here's the situation. I'm pretty tall (we're talking over 6'2), a little overweight but I make up for this by A) Not really letting it hold back my esteem, B) Giving great hugs (I get complimented a lot on my hugging ability) and C) have good hygiene and am a snappy dresser.

While I still have issues with approach anxiety (as we all do), I can bring myself to start talking to strangers if I'm happy and I feel like meeting people. I can get the ball rolling with the classic openers, and then start talking about situational stuff and joke around and have fun but I always end up getting stuck in this state of limbo where my mid-game just seems to go on forever.

Last time I properly gamed a girl and did it well, I absolutely BEASTED the openers, got her laughing, posting on my wall on Facebook non-stop and literally had her at a stage where instead of hugging me she'd leap on me and wrap legs around me. Then, because I didn't know how to escalate and pursue it further my mid-game seemed to go on forever. Now, when she couldn't stop speaking to me, she never acknowledges me anymore and has a boyfriend.

Now, I don't give a monkies about that last girl. That's all in the past. I just want to avoid falling into this trap again. What's the next move when you've got great rapport with someone you're just starting to meet? How do I take the step from joking, negging, teasing and flirting up until the romance stage?

Any and all suggestions would be nice. Any further questions I'm more than happy to answer.