Hi. I'm a young man who has always been shy and reserved. My dating life has not always been much.

I have always found bars to be crowded and loud, so being as shy as I am, I've never been a huge fan of bars. However, I really think it's important that I start going because I think it's one of the only ways to meet women now.

I went to one last week and all I did was sit alone at the bar. I didn't really do anything. I just sat there.

I know that practice makes perfect, but does anyone have any tips for making it easier to be at a bar alone, or meeting women in general?

Sports and alcohol. I just turned 21, and have the same issues to work through. I'm going down to an excellent, laid back bar this Sunday to watch football and enjoy alcohol. No big grand plans to talk to women. Just getting used to being around complete strangers.

People go to bars so they don't have to drink alone, so you won't be the only one. I'm sure if you go to one you like often enough, you'll make worthwhile connections.

When i used to go to clubs & bars alot, i would very frequently break away from my friends to chat other people up or whatever. It felt totally normal. Never once did they ask me 'where are your friends' because I had a comfortable vibe. People would open me, for instance. If you feel awkward being alone, others will notice this and want to resist that energy by not wanting to hang with you. The opposite also applies.

If you feel awkward you'll bring that vibe with you when you enter. Try laughing a lot by watching a comedian on YouTube like Russell Brand OR Listen relaxing music like Bob Marley. That WILL put you in a more relaxed and fun state since you have the nerve taken off by laughing so much.

One way to enter the bar with an unbelievable vibe is to VERY SIMPLY open people before you get to the venue. If I were to sarge alone in a bar/club I would NEVER enter it without first being socially lubricated.