If you truly believe that's then you have the right kind of confidence. But you're not projecting it.

What you described earlier is not confidence, it is hubris. Not the same.

Given that you keep coming back around to this idea of outside validation being necessary to have or maintain confidence, I can pretty much guarantee you that you're not projecting confidence you're projecting desperation.

What should be going through your head when you approach someone is not, "pick me, pick mez please validate me". It should be "Hi. I'm great partner material. I find you attractive. How's your world turning? Are you looking for love/romance?"

Not everyone you approach is going to be looking for love, even if they find you attractive. Especially, just kind of out and about where women aren't exactly expecting to be aporoached. Stick with venues where it's expected.