>>7
Nice one, it sounds like you've really improved yourself.

>>1
I would recommend you go to places that are quieter than say nightclubs or pubs, I tend to find it difficult to speak in places like pubs where there are loads of different things going on, which is strange because normally I'm a pretty outgoing person.
If you like football, go to football stadiums, it's easy to strike convos with people at half time 'did you see him miss that goal? Waste of money!!!' etc. Otherwise join clubs like anime in your local area, and just generally if your sitting at a bus stop with someone who is just looking down or away, why not strike up conversations. Some people are defensive and hate talking at bus stops, but some people enjoy conversing while waiting for a bus. There are loads of oppurtunities to get more social.