I figured it out! How to break the barrier!

[Deja Q]

Whoever can talk to me will be able to open me up and get me out of my shell! (I just can't take the initiative - the fear takes control, despite being consciously aware of it.)

Pity, though. Today at the mall I had a lovely chat with a chick selling cell phone services... and tonight I'd chatted with a fun stripper, though after a few intro questions I think he fathomed I wasn't there for a quick grab, so to speak... (a bit young and fun to wach how others interact with him, the human condition is such a hoot!)