I've always been socially awkward and shy.. and of course the first woman I ever really wanted ended up being either just as crazy as me, or completely uninterested (and my mental issues caused her unneeded problems with her jerk on-again-off-again manipulative/controlling boyfriend)..

So now I'm looking to rebound and move on, but I still find myself looking for hope in the situation.. which isn't good because I've had some paranoia issues.. It's not that I'm paranoid she's going to show up one day, I'm paranoid that I'm getting hurt again and of having her ex-boyfriend in my life for any reason whatsoever. The more I get out the more I see there are many women out there, but I'm also afraid of costing myself a chance with her.. if, for example, she was in a bad relationship.

I'm just not sure how to move on, and since I'm shy/introverted anyway, it's tough.

Any advice?