I've been there. I was very shy, talking to strangers was a big problem, talking to girls my age was like climbing the Mt. Everest.
What helped me was to just go out there and practice. I'm not from the US, but i think it might be way easier in the states to just go out and practicing small talk.
I started very small. Driving to a different city and just asking people what time it is, asking for directions, pretending to be a tourist. Salespeople are also very helpful. For example drive to a store and ask for recommendations for a specific item if you want to make a purchase anyway.
The key for me was to make it a habit. Start with asking older people, then people your age, then women in groups, etc.
Practice and you will see that you get better at reading people and how they react to what you say.
What helped me was to just go out there and practice. I'm not from the US, but i think it might be way easier in the states to just go out and practicing small talk.
I started very small. Driving to a different city and just asking people what time it is, asking for directions, pretending to be a tourist. Salespeople are also very helpful. For example drive to a store and ask for recommendations for a specific item if you want to make a purchase anyway.
The key for me was to make it a habit. Start with asking older people, then people your age, then women in groups, etc.
Practice and you will see that you get better at reading people and how they react to what you say.