Counterpoint.
You can be very shy and have a conversation with a total stranger. It's easier when there is nothink at stake: you are not asking for the time, direction, a phone number, a date or anything. You just make a comment about the weather, something you find , or funny or interesting nice (no comment on anybody's appearance though). You are not waiting for a reply or trying to start a conversation. If it gets started, that's a bonus.
When I score one of these interactions, I always feel very good afterward.
Just gotta start the conversation with something weird. If they respond with something other than "the fuck did you just say" or "get away from me" then you've found someone worth your time.