How to overcome shyness and anxiety?

I went out with a girl for 6 years, and she dumped me a year ago for my best friend. And after that I hit rock bottom. Now when I'm around a girl I like I get really shy, nervous, and I loose all confidence in myself and can never think of any thing good...

to say. Can someone please tell me how to overcome this and have more faith in myself

Dear justin01,
You might feel this way because you think when your girlfriend left it was your fault and there wasn't closure. Your lack of confidence could be the way you are expressing this. So sit down and write out all the reason you think it was your fault...all the reason why you think it wasn't. If you have some on your fault side make an effort to change these and counselling can help here. Look at the why it isn't your fault and begin telling yourself hey...I did that really well, I did this really well. Start thing of yourself as a good catch for someone and tell yourself everyday that you are a good, caring and strong person. When we meet someone new we are all shy and words aren't easy so think of it as a normal phase in the beginning. If you go for the second date then you can use some conversation starters at dinner like are you originally from here, do you have sisters...brothers. What is your major etc. etc. Women love to talk about themselves so keeping the conversation going could be easy. Next thing you know she'll be asking you about your life...just remember don't talk about the EX...save that for later when your relationship is secure and only if she really wants to know.
Sue...good luck