I'm extremely shy, never had a g/f, so I see where you're coming from. I'd might consider giving "trying" a shot if I were with my friends like you were, but they live pretty far so I have to keep things local, and I just can't do something like that alone. I would need someone to laugh with about it immediately after the rejection. And I don't really dig the bar/pub scene, as I don't really like alcohol.
But congrats on your adventure! Sounds like you could make it further next time!
