My problem is that I don’t talk as much as I’d like to. I didn’t have brothers or sisters and my parents were never really home so I was left to occupy myself a lot of the time. I think that’s the root of the problem. I mean, I have friends now but I’m not good at talking to new people as I am as people I already know. So I went on my first date with this guy and I kinda like him. But I’m always trying to think of something new to say to keep the conversation going. I don’t have much experience dating and I don’t wanna mess this up.

I need a picture.

You're perhaps being hard on yourself. What you chalk up to nervousness, he may find cute or sweet. And he might be nervous too.

The easiest thing to do might be to just be a good listener and whenever you feel at a loss for conversation, you can always jump in with a question about something he said. People love to talk about themselves. And you can always try to take something he said and relate it to your own experience. Also, he should be asking you questions too; don't let it get too one-sided.

You said it, sister. But you don't want some dumb rock droning on and on about himself. Tell him about you, repeatedly.

This is the wrooooong place for advice

Edited as now sober.
[Edited 12/28/09 3:04am]

sferdin said:

I, too, am an introvert by nature. I spent about a decade leading a very social life, only to figure out that I'm happiest on my own.

A lot of people'll tell you that you need to have a sig-oth to be happy. They're wrong. In fact, the statistics show that most relationships end in tears or boredom.

Re: date small talk: If you have to make an effort to keep the conversation going, chances are you're not a good match. Be yourself; talk about your passions; ask him about his passions. If you're continually hitting dry patches, be honest with yourself: it's probably "mainly a physical thing" and move on.
[Edited 12/28/09 5:21am]