Be yourself
Look at me i am a shy person but love life and happiness
if you don't ask you don't you would not know.
i tried dating sites like someone's profile- she replied no thank you and i wish her back all the best

Hi MrLizard. Welcome. I know what you mean. Plus, most of the time I forget this is a dating site. I welcome messages from everyone male or female. If anyone wants to talk or are interested romantically all they have to do is let their intentions be known. Thanks for your post I think that this could be a help to a few of us here. ??

Yeah, I’ve started several conversations with different people but I’m pretty much blown off or feel that way. I must be not appealing or I just go after smart discerning women. Either way I am to sensitive and quit too easy. ?

at the beginning

You got nothing to lose, there human just like you.

Pick someone that looks interesting, message me their name, and I will message them what a great guy you are....I can be your agnostic-wingman

Just do it, nothing to lose. What is the worst thing that can happen? What is the best? Weigh them up against the few minutes it takes to make contact.

I actually think that's a great idea. I might want to talk to someone in a plutonic way and there might be someone else I might want to talk to in a romantic way and a hug emoji would be a great way of communicating your interest to that person without that awkward statement.

I have the same problem you do when it comes to starting a conversation. I'm only here for community, which was pretty small when I joined, but I've experienced the same thing in other situations.

You can always message someone just for conversation.

Why need or use a "smiley". Sending a "Hi!" works the same and just as well. If they respond, good, if not, move on.

whether its a kind of site neutral hug or a short message to express interest in interacting more I think the risk of rejection or feelings related to that would be the same.It is intimidating to stick yourself out there. SO much less external context available in cyberspace.Its a risky business.I have been sticking to the public exchanges for the most part.
I think if you would feel ok sending a virtual hug you could convince yourself to send a hello and steel yourself for what ever may come.You just to have to take that step

I think Admin said the (group) chat feature would be active in just a few weeks.

I think that will be a wonderful way to connect with people who will get to know you better from real time conversation.

Hope that helps.