Is something wrong with me?

I have a confession. I am in my late 30’s but never had a boyfriend or serious relationship. I don’t know, maybe the problem is me. I had strict parents growing up so I wasn’t allowed to date. I couldn’t invite people over or go to a friend’s house. Yes it truly sucked. By the time I went off to college in my early 20’s, most guys were looking for a fling or something casual, not a serious relationship. After I finished college I focused more on advancing my career and now here I am. I’m educated, with my own car, living in my own space but still single and it kills me. I’d love so much to be in a serious relationship, get married and live that perfect fairytale life. But I just can’t seem to shake the feeling that it will just never happen for me. I don’t usually suffer from anxiety but I am also an INTP/Melancholic so it is extremely difficult for me to approach someone (as I always anticipate rejection). I’ve been told in the past that I’m too sensitive, (guess I’ve been around the wrong personalities which has caused me to find it even harder to open up to someone. Any recommendations on what I should/could do? Sorry for the long post.

LadyGrace ·

It does sound like you're suffering from anxiety. Why don't you just start small. Like go out with other lady friends so that you can get more accustomed to being out and interacting with females first, as friends. Even if it's just if you have one friend. You need to gently introduce yourself back into society. Mingle with friends until you start to feel more comfortable being out in public.

When you feel more comfortable, and there's no rush, you can always start with finding a male friend. I think that's the key. Find a male friend you can feel comfortable with even if you're not interested romantically because this will get you used to being around males.

Then from there you might date someone but meet them in a public place for quite some time until you get comfortable with that. The right one will understand and won't pressure you.