I've used apps to some success. Activities are usually a better method tho (sports league, board game nights, rock climbing etc). I do agree that flirting can very hard. One thing I learned though is if you can push through the worry express yourself despite whatever struggle you may be having, there are people out there who genuinely don't mind it. It took me a while to accept that, especially when the ones who do feature so strongly in our worries. But they're simply not the right one for you. Show your personality, even if you end up struggling and not being able to show it the way you want. Taking a chance is often worth it, even if it doesn't work out or you feel embarrassed. There are people who would rather get to know you over avoiding possible stuttering awkwardness