Well, my persoanl experience with making friends is this: I only feel intimidated when I am the only one who doesn't know anyone in the room and they pretty much grew up together. take my young 20's singles sunday school class for example. they went to youth group toether and I spent most of my life 3 hours away. I gre up in a different community and when I first realized all these people knew each other, I almost ended up not going to the class and unintentionally osctrocizing myself. Fortunately, I had the good sense to jump right in. This is also a good chance to sit between two cute guys. if a chair is availible. in a normal situation, like at a prty where nobody knows each other I have my own secret formula: My sister absolutely loves this one. I get to know all the cute guys and at least one female. (I'm not bisexual but I would 1) be too obvious just talking to guys and 2) some stuff you just can't discuss with a guy.