rofl.
Tip, most relationships are fairly superficial. I'm 21 and have never had a gf. For the main reason that if I say I love someone, I mean it. How many relationships you know that go for more than 12 months? 2 years?
Second tip. You're kinda sounding like me and I lose friends from being like me so...
You don't get that involved with people, see above tip. If I call someone a friend, they've just managed to bag the most annoying person they will ever know. It's.. Well, keep a shield up and don't be overly.. Obsessive? Suffocating? *shrugs*
Third: Depressed is something in your head. No, you probably aren't lying, (or you're the best troll I've seen in all my internet days of 4Chan) but if you want to be happy, you'll find something worth smiling about.
So, don't expect sparkles and fairies from someone you've just met. Don't make your happiness reliant on someone else.
Love as I see it is insanity. Illogical and against everything we're taught. The biggest gamble ever. From my p.o.v., rushing into another relationship so you have someone to hold you up just isn't smart. Learn to live by yourself, then live with someone else.
Minor note: You said "never asked someone publicly before". Welcome to teh interwebz. I'm Cyberjester, the fragging bard. =P This isn't really public when we're all wearing masks. Anon is all, anon doesn't exist.
Edit:
You say tips for being more social.
How about be confident? Really, it works. Possibly the biggest turn off is someone who looks.. Desperate? About to burst into tears? Consider how many people post messages asking how to talk to people. Easy, assume the other person is as messed up as you are, we're all faking it, and see if you can do it better. =P
Even a lame as pickup line will work if you look confident. Granted, other areas impact, but nothing worse than a 20 year old guy looking like he's asking his first gf out on a date.
You make the rest of us look bad. =P
Second minor note: You had a 4 year relationship that started when you were what.. 15? 16? Not to sound harsh or anything, but a 15 year old girl is going to want more than a few txts or msn convos. Hell, all girls want more than that. Cheating was almost to be expected dude. You can't afford to see her, she can't afford to see you, you spend the majority of your time around other people. *shrugs* Kiss vs a text. Guess which will win...