How do I approach a shy girl without making a fool of myself?

Always smile at her, have open body language, act in a way that would make her comfortable with you. Talk to her at every chance you get, even if it's just to say hi, but don't act like she has to talk back more than she's comfortable with.

Also, you should make jokes a lot around her, be confident in yourself, be exciting. Most shy girls love exciting guys.

Basically, try your best to be exciting but not make her uncomfortable.

Make sure she is comfortable when you talk to her. Ask her about something you know she likes; that is bound to get her to talk to you.

Hmm... I am a very shy girl when it comes to boys. If she's shy she won't say anything mean.. I can tell you that.. she'll be very polite.. just come up to her and speak with her!! Be nice to her.. main important thing.. NICE!!! I like guys who are nice.. (*i am also a very very shy girl and if you approach me in a horrid way I won't even bother talking to you) she's probably like me. So be nice! And have fun! Say something funny to her.

As long as you break the ice, things will be fine.

as a shy girl, that's one thing I really want. if a guy breaks the ice and talks to me then I really like that b/c I probably wanted to talk to him but was just too shy to do it myself.

Driven gave a good answer. Also- maybe you should make a fool of yourself. Did you ever think of that? Maybe she's shy because she's worried about making a fool of herself. Most girls understand that it takes balls to talk to them. I think you'll get points for showing you don't give a damn. You want her, take her. I like a guy who doesn't care what other people think, who takes charge and doesn't just follow the crowd, and who knows how to be silly every once in a while ;) Good luck

The key to shy girls is confidence.

If you show confidence in yourself, in your ability to communicate and allow them to feel comfortable around you then you will open them up within a few minutes like you cannot imagine. The hard part is getting up the courage to TRY!

I've asked this question and the best way I gathered through use is to just talk to her and ask her about herself, give subtle hints but don't flirt, and if you do leave it small. And if she is interested her shyness towards you will go. Then just keep talking to her.