[Live]

Clay,

I am going to be upfront and honest in that what women look for are different according to their ages.
A young woman who wants to marry and have a family will look for stability as in job, car etc, she will want these things eventually...but really, dear, you just graduated from college very, very recently so I don't think those are as big of obstacles as you think they are.
What would you want with someone so superficial that your weight determines whether a girl likes you or not????
I am a gal, 50 years old, so i am going to pull rank on you and say that I have seen and heard alot as well as have some living experience.
Believe, me...women are wanting to meet men!
And, just after my divorce, i was thinking i am 50, divorced twice, mentally ill...who would ever want me....and I have gone up from a small size to yes, getting fat too.
Well, I went out...and danged it I didn't get asked out every darned time! But I didn't want to just go out with anybody, everybody and then by coincidence and a bit of experience I met someone with a mind who is lining up to be lucky number 3.

I used to be shy, I didn't know how to talk to people, I still don't get the small talk thing that comes naturally to other people. But I learned something working in the hospitality business...and that is, that I say Hi, how are you? to anyone who comes within 10 feet of me.
Now, with you being a journalist and me being intrigued by the human psyche and sociology....well, we interview people right?
And I find people like someone to talk with......most of them are just as shy and insecure as we are. So I just say hi, hang around a bit and listen for some common interest or something that interests me and ask them about it..and just converse.
I know you are a smart guy and have a broad enough knowledge to carry on a conversation with someone about their interests and it is something you will be doing as your chosen occupation, so...
don't hit on a girl or come up with a line....just say hi, how are you, compliment something that isn't cliche or join in the conversation intelligently that is all ready in progress and tell that mating instinct to shut up for the moment, you are just meeting people and working on conquering your anxiety if nothing else than for the sake of practicing interviewing people for journalism.

wait a minute...I just interviewed my man and he has alot of smarts about this so...