NoFap newbie/my back story

Note: first off, sorry if this post is too long, but I feel like I have a lot to get off my chest/explaining to do to further describe my situation (or what seems like my life story!)

My porn/masturbation background

I first began watching porn around 14/15 years old - freshman year in high school (Canada). A year earlier in gr 8 was when I'd look at some softcore/topless pics on Google images. (This is when I was becoming interested in girls) It then escalated into more explicit/naked images - only pictures. Then I watched porn for the first time and thought it was some heavy stuff, kind of made me uncomfortable and i even closed my eyes at some parts! A couple months later I masturbated for the first time ever (not to porn, just fantasizing). I was on vacation and was laying awake in bed so I decided to jerk it and one thing led to another. Following my first masturbation, this was when I got into porn. From then up until now, I've been PMOing once a day (rarely twice) with occasional 1-2 day breaks.

Why I'm attempting nofap

First of all, I wouldn't say I'm addicted, considering all of my friends say they masturbate, some even say every night. (Sometimes we'll talk about it if pornstars/porn websites comes into discussion). For me, jacking off has always been a way to relieve some stress (a more temporary solution) and help me fall asleep. I use porn (to PMO) because it's available in an instant and there's literally thousands of beautiful women to choose from... How could you pass that up? Well, here's where my real life comes in. I've always been a quiet, introverted, somewhat shy kid. In my opinion, starting to watch porn at the beginning of high school couldn't have started a worse time considering this is a time where relationships with real girls should take place. After reading some other fapstronauts stories, I'm starting to feel like its porn that is affecting me negatively. First of all, as high school has went on, (I'm currently in my senior year!) I've become more shy and quiet around girls. I become anxious around them and I never know what to say. This anxiousness has even carried over to my relationships with other students and even my own teachers. I'm not concluding that porn is the cause of these problems, but I think it's worth a shot to give it up for as long as possible. I've got nothing to lose, besides my sanity perhaps! (I joke)

I can still be myself completely around my close friends, and I'm even outgoing, talkative and often funny. However, I am nothing like this around girls. It's like there's a barrier between me and any girl I'd like to pursue, talk to, etc. I have a cousin (girl) in my grade who I talk to all the time (who has attractive girl friends). I'm 100% comfortable around her and can be myself... But around her friends - this is where the anxiety/nervousness kicks in. I know it is all in my head but I can't take it anymore! I feel like it has something to do with putting girls on a pedastal and wanting their approval. Am I right?

Summary

I want to quit porn/masturbation to see if I can reap any of the benefits I've heard others have experienced. Specifically, less social anxiety, more confidence, easier ability to talk to girls. I am going to college in fall 2014 so I'd like to become a stronger version of myself (quoting Elliot hulse) by then! Any questions you guys have, feedback, motivation, or stories would be awesome!