Hello AO,
I know you are just looking for friends, but in my experience, when you end up on a friendship date with a broken heart...it's easy to accidentally rebound. We are human and need to feel loved; especially when our emotions have been through the ringer.
Now that I've put my two cents in, I'll answer some of your questions from a female point of view.
Q: What is the best way to approach a girl for the first time?
A: Walk up to her and be direct. "Hi, I was wondering if you'd like to go to lunch/dinner sometime?"
Q: What are the more attractive qualities to find in a guy? (humor, confidence, etc..)
A: I find humor is invaluable! Confidence is important..however, over-confidence is seen as trying too hard, or just plain conceited. Be assertive while utilizing common sense.
Q are some things to def NOT do when talking to a girl the first time?
A: Please don't walk up to a girl and say, "YOU ARE HOT!" This comes accross as shallow; ignorant to respect for a gal, and in my opinion, it gives good reason for a girl to walk away shaking her head in disgust.
Good luck to you.