Yep I feel your pain brother!
But one thing always works; talk about  sports with guys( e.g: what happened last night at the NBA final; what   do you think about LSU Oregon College football or Boise State playing Georgia)  if you are talking to ladies compliment them and ofcourse have a confidence in your accent. That usually works.....

P.S: Remember its not fair to expect everyone talking like you or thinking like you.