Hi(F-17) and I understand your anxiety too. I always get so scared speaking to new people. Something that kinda helps me is that whenever I stutter/block, I laugh it off casually and then keep going into the conversation. I feel like being more insecure and overthinking it makes the other person feel more awkward and at least when you’re laughing it off, it creates a better comfortable atmosphere. Hope this helps at least a little :)