Best way to meet/befriend/date super shy otaku girls?

I've always found shy girls to be very cute, but Watamote took it to another level! It got me thinking, it's just so sad that many shy girls wallow away in loneliness like that, feeling insecure and thinking it's impossible for them to have a good relationship just because they're extremely shy! But how would a guy get to meet them and break through whatever shell they may put up out of shyness? If they rarely leave the house, it's hard to meet them in public, and even then they'd hide away so I'd never know they're anime fans. Online is filled with role-playing guys and they may put up a fake personality, so there's no good way to know. I used to be pretty shy myself so I know how it feels, and I'm not the type to randomly strike up conversations with total strangers. If they're extremely shy (hikkikomori-tier), they're also unlikely to attend anime conventions and the like, making it even harder to meet them. What are the best ways for me to recognize and meet a shy otaku girl?

Well, what I've learned when trying to break the barrier of a Hikikomori male, is just don't force yourself on them, which should be obvious, but that can't be expressed enough. Because, it is obvious reason why they are a hikikomori to begin with, they lack social skills, there anxiety is through the roof, and they just feel more comfortable by themselves. But, I'm sure you know the shy ones are usually pessimistic.. They aren't like the cute optimistic anime girls who always try to face things head on, even if they are scared. *sighs internally* But, how I could approach them, is start lightly.. I guess, like Vampire_neko said, be patient, be friendly, cancel out their pessimism, with your own optimism. Let them know that you are a friend, you are there for them through and through, and you are willing to help them no matter what the case is. Because, in my opinion, and personal experience, they want that reassurance, to know that you just won't leave them out the blue, because I feel like it is more of an abandonment issue. They pull themselves out of society to keep themselves safe from getting hurt. A defense mechanism, maybe, I don't know. But, yes, be gentle, caring, and easy on them. It is hard enough that they are letting you in. (:

Loli-chan, you reached me. (Doesn't sound creepy at all) I was betrayed by having my heart being played with and ended up being a shut-in. The only time I'm outside is going to school or visiting a relatives house. Back to the thread, you'll have to know them better such as having them know who you are and feel comfortable with you. Once they open up about things they wouldn't tell anyone else, etc, you're getting somewhere.

I know how you feel loli-chan, it also surprises me greatly when someone treats me right :~ I work from home, so I guess that makes me a total shut-in? hahaha

I think another point is that you cannot change someone. They wont stop being introverted just for you. At some point you have to ask yourself is the emotional investment worth it. They may never realise the effort you put in. Sometimes those same shy people can be extremely angry people. You may make a mistake and completely turn them off. You might not like shy after all :p

Be assertive. Not aggressive or passive. Tell them hello, start a conversation with them. Get to know them. I know this because while I have no problem interacting with people in a group, I am actually a shy, nervous, anxious person. I'm working on this myself. But these are things I'd personally appreciate.