I don't think it takes much, especially when it comes to girls, but you do need to pick an appropriate venue. My basic advice to you would just be too say hello, but at a place and time where you can be reasonably assured that the person you're saying hi to shares similar interests.
Basically if you hate art, avoid saying hi to the guy starting raptly at a painting and if you don't enjoy dancing (and/or drinking) a nightclub might be the wrong place to make a connection. Just be social.
If a girl approached and asked me about my favorite author while I was at the library scanning the stacks I'd probably engage in conversation pretty quickly if I wasn't in a hurry. I think that kind of approach would work for you as far as meeting someone.
As far as relationships go, though, you've just got to roll the dice. Most people don't find a relationship with the first person they consider dating. Too many people seem to forget that it takes a lot of conversations with a lot of different people before you figure out or even find a person you want to have a relationship with. Even fewer recognize that regardless of how many people we meet we won't find a good relationship until we're ready to.
So for now, since you're okay without having one, just keep meeting people. When you're ready, you'll either realize you already know the person you want to be with or you'll at least have enough experience meeting new people for that not to slow you down.

Maybe more double dates?

Are there opportunities for more "friendly" group outings, parties, events, etc. "Friendly" - as in there's no expectation for partnerships. Therefore, it's not really "getting out there for dates". It's more like "getting out there to hang out with friends".

Or is your circle of friends all "partnered"? If so, maybe, take up outdoor activities that have a social component - like orienteering. I'm sure those organisations have entry level teams. But find something you enjoy. E.g. don't join a mixed soccer team if you're not into that.

People are where you find them. I've met people on the bus, in laundromats, and even in a doctor's office. I have a sort of built in conversation starter: I walk with a cane, so I decided to make one out of PVC pipe. It's amazing how many people I've met who are fascinated with that cane (the fact that I also build robots, have a TV station on Roku, ands so on, does not impress them as much).

My advice is to just let it happen. You don't want to gibe the impression that you\re looking. My main problem is timing: I meet someone, we get along, and make our goodbyes. Hours, or sometimes years later, I realize "Oh yeah, she was interested in me."

When I am aware ofg what's going on, I usually say something like "I'm really enjoying this. I'd like to keep in contact with you. Would you want to trade phone numbers?" If they're interested, great, if they're not, they'll just say "no," and you can move on.

I've found great people to date in several ways; childhood friends, a guy I met at a ballroom dance, two I met through newspaper classified ads, and one from an online dating website. I had just finished posting the profile when I got a response..almost too quickly to be possible, and he was just what I'd been looking for.

So? IF I had not stumbled across an equally lonely nerd in my calc class - we each probably would have never married. I'm an engineer - 50 yr. ago, the only women in the office were secretaries -- and I don't do the bar or church scenes. The online dating sites are surely better for meeting a soulmate than a bar filled w/ drunks. Guess what - after my wife died -- I'm on dating sites and I enjoy the freedom to reject w/o pain - and get rejected w/o pain too! I've met some fabulous women -- and some flakes too - but that's life isn't it.

I think this is gonna be common place, so you are just ahead of the curve. Make friends, see how it goes from there.

Firstly, I'm positive you won't forget how to flirt when the time comes, that's one thing you don't forget once you do it. Secondly, everyone gets involved in the dating scene in their own good time, no need to rush anything. Your instincts will kick in when the time is right, when you meet that special and unique someone that captures your attention. I'm a few years older than you and have been single now myself for awhile, but I don't let that concern me as there is plenty of time ahead. In the meantime, you can contemplate your future and take time to think about things from all angles. I hope that helps some.

Hello, I have been on dating sites for years and have met some very interesting people, including some very nasty ones. Put yourself out there but be very vigilant. Don't be embarrest, we all go through this sometime. Regards Valdin

I think you need to get out there! With a good wingman.

There is nothing wrong with meeting people online. You get to learn about people's thoughts and feelings and see if there is a connection before you meet them. Most relationships start with physical attraction so being able to talk and find mental or emotional attraction is an advantage. Plus you can set the pacing of the relationship.

I don't have a problem with the way you have met people in the past, It has worked for you, at least some. Why be embarrassed about it? You seem intelligent and well spoken which could be off-putting for a man with insecurities but that man would bore you in very short order, anyhow. Your shyness makes you naturally careful. Use that to your advantage.

If you are not sure what you want, experiencing some things that you discover that you don'twant can certainly clarify that and it doesn't always have to be an unpleasant experience. Some of it may be, but learn from it and do better the next time.

You're comfortable being single right now. GOOD! That means you aren't needy and clingy and desperate for a relationship. You are secure being alone, and that is a good way to be, for entering a healthy relationship. I suspect that you will meet someone who seems to be easy and natural for you to talk to, and things with just naturally grow from there.

I see & hear of many people who found each other thru the internet. Just another way to meet.

I have been alone for so long that I have no idea where to start with anything involving dating

I don't see it as a bad thing. Everyone out there is using the tools they have.

There aren't many rules to the game. The important thing is to play the game.

You seem dissatisfied with the way things are going, so id recommend a change. Take baby steps. Push yourself to look outside your wall. Next time, walk around the corner a bit.

As long as you are engaging people, that should be enough. Think of the goal as just interacting. You don't have to worry about what comes next

Hi ,
???☕️

Hi , let’s meet and chat
Regards
Max

Just get out and about doing more of what you like doing. someone will sttart chatting who you may like. just be yourself. your pretty and intelligent and seam a nice person. remember you can be more lonely with the wrong people than on your own and you don't need someone. you want someone. with a money box you can get as many teapots as you want. you just got to pick the weat from the chaff

Well for me im fine with being alone till I find my Soul mate again. But I would just live life and if someone ask you out try it. Personally I would rather regret doing than not doing it at all. Life is too short for what ifs

Well for me im fine with being alone till I find my Soul mate again. But I would just live life and if someone ask you out try it. Personally I would rather regret doing than not doing it at all. Life is too short for what ifs

Think of it this way: You have eliminated an incredible number of awkward, dead end dates due to efficient pre-selection processes.

Might get some dating interest here if you mentioned that you are looking in your profile. At least that religion question is already answered.

Lots of other good ideas here too.

Ohh, shut up moaning. It will happen - and likely when you least expect it.

I gave up on relationships because of my choices in men in the past. 2 abusive exes makes me want to stay single. I don't date anyone now.

Put your self out there talk to people. The right person will come along. Most likely when you least expect it. I was set with my girlfriend now by a girl I met online that it didn’t work out with. So she introduced me to her friend and we hit it off and been together for 4 years now.

No one meets in real life any more. You can't because everyone is always staring at their phones. So let's get together and say we met on an archaeological dig, and whatever happens, I help you with flirting skills.