Take the initiative! The easiest way to start a conversation is to compliment someone. I think this has been said already but it's true. Go up to someone who genuinely interests you, who you are not intimidated by but feel a kinship towards at your next anime meeting. Try to lock eyes with them and when you do, just flash a small sincere smile. No need to grin with teeth showing or anything, just a nice simple smile is perfect. They will most likely smile back. Then, when it's opportune, approach them and tell them that you like their shirt or whatever you found nice or interesting or unique about them. This IS important. Have a real genuine reason for liking whatever they have. This is so when they say thanks, you can respond with, "Yeah, it reminds me of a shirt I have" or "Yeah, that is my favorite Anime character" or WHATEVER that will establish a common bond between you two. Now, you don't have to get their numbers right away and ask them what they're doing later unless the conversation flows and you guys click. It's nice to start slowly, acting too eager to be someone's friend can seem desperate or creepy in the same way being hit on by someone can be. Next time you see them, you can work on building the friendship a little more. Try doing this with everyone you see. These little interactions are what builds the foundations of friendship. It's easy and fun, and you'll feel happy about yourself because you made someone happy about themselves.
