At the risk of sounding like a complete moron, I have no idea how to approach anyone that I have any romantic interest in, even for just a friendship.

I've been reminded of this problem because as I started school again, I noticed this guy that I used to have a bit of a crush on is there again (he came back for another graduate degree at the same time I did). I never really got to know him before because I was too afraid and I don't want to ruin it again, but I'm still intimidated.

In the past, there was almost always a negative reaction if I made the first move and I also don't want to indicate any interest either as that may be considered making the first move as well. I just want to get to know him and talk to him on a regular basis. And -gasp- even see him outside of classes.

Bottom line, I just want to have friends and socialize enough to feel satisfied by the time I graduate. Maybe I shouldn't pursue this guy in any way because of the stupid romantic interest I have in him for no really good reason. I mean, if he's not available/not interested (and there's at least a 99.9% chance of that), then it's difficult for me to lose those feelings immediately and in the past, me trying to get some space to deal with these feelings has been unacceptable.

And no, I'm not a teenager. I'm in my mid-20's and we're both in the doctoral program in our discipline. I'm fully aware that with my lack of life and relationship experience and complete shyness/intimidation, that I'll come across as horribly immature. That's another reason I'm afraid to approach him. At the moment, he seems to have a positive view of me (well, at least my work, anyway).

And yes, I'm in therapy, for this exact reason. But it doesn't really help, not to mention that I just switched to a new therapist and I don't really feel comfortable with the new one.

I just don't know what to do or how to approach him or if I even SHOULD approach him. In the past, no matter what I did, it was always wrong, creepy, what have you. I clearly don't know what to do and probably am incapable of even understanding what to do even if I did know, otherwise this wouldn't be a problem.