Niteowl, I very much agree with everything you have said. I'm 19, and I've had 2 gf's, (although I have been asked out more than that, but I was dating someone else). I dated my first gf for 1 year and 9 months. From what I have been told, that's quite a long time for a first gf. It took me a while to become really interested in one girl, but I had talked to her a lot before, and I liked what she enjoyed, so things went well. She actaully asked me out (I was too chicken to do it myself, but I'm not complaining *nudges all the girls*) My second girlfriend, I'm still working on heh. We have been going for a year and three months now. Unfortunately, she and I met in college at UNC Chapel-Hill. She is living in Charlotte, and I am living in Cary (about 2 hours away) which makes things difficult at times. Anyway, I have found both of my gf's through stuff that I like doing. First one, marching band, second in TaeKwonDo. In both cases, we have had pretty similar interests, although a few different, but that just makes it fun. You get to try new things that way.
Anyway, to all you lunixmonster forum posters, the advice that niteowl, gem, and the others have posted is pretty darn sound advice. Only thing I can add is to relax if you can. From my experience, girls don't like to be next to an edgy guy, if the girl you are dating makes you edgy when you are around her, and it has not gotten any better since you first started dating, then you might be better off finding someone you can relax and "be yourself" around.
Again, I can't say much about dating a guy, I have only dated girls, but being a guy, I can tell the females that are listening, that most guys, me too, have trouble even walking up and talking to a girl. Most of us, I think, consider a lot of girls to be too "out of our league" in most cases. If you notice a guy that seems to be watching you, if you are interested, go ahead and walk up to him, and start talking. Most guys will be receptive to talking to you, specially if they are interested. I think that walking up to them and starting to talk boosts their confidence because you showed interest too.
Anyway, enough of my babeling. I would definatly consider what Niteowl and the others have said, they know what they are talking about, I've experienced a lot of it. If you have any questions, please IM me at "pepsihatman" or "portablepepsi" (which ever is on) or just post here, and I'll try and help. I like talking to people too, sometimes I get bored sitting here. I'm sure the others would be glad to give advice/listen also. Speaking of listening, thanks for listening to me and my ramble! Peace.
BTW, how old are you Niteowl? I am guessing late 20's at youngest, and 35 at the oldest. (nothing wrong with being older though!)
--> David --> aka. --> .NmF. Screen