Hi, IamTheEnd, I am so sorry you have been treated badly and hurt by others. I think you should definitely try dating again. No way are your traits "deal breakers". Sure, there are people who have trouble with any imperfections. But, there are many good men out there who will just look at your inner beauty. I don't think you need to wait until you lose more pounds. Men think I'm too thin and are not attracted to me because of that either. Pre-warning sounds like a good idea (just before you get intimate). But if you are that close to intimacy, I don't think they'll really care. Hey, if the guy is not getting his needs met, I think he'll know what to do.

If you pull away from someone, I think that tells them without a doubt to back off. You might just say you're not ready yet for that particular move. In that way you don't put them off altogether.

It would be good for you to slowly get back in the game. At least be open to it if the opportunity presents itself.

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Gee, Lee, your reply was so beautiful I mean truly beautiful. It makes me cry. I wish someone could tell me that before I leave this world. It's so hard to live with feeling unloved because of your appearance. So many people make you feel bad and say horrible things. I understand the OP feeling the way she does. Thank you for your beautiful words of love and hope. If only I could believe...