[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Need some advice/insight, if possible. Sorry if you're sick of me bringing up this topic, but it's a problem I'm struggling with, and I can't imagine a world in which nobody else is struggling with this.

I've been "looking" for a while, but I always hit a number of walls (figuratively speaking) where my mental health is concerned. In the past, the OCD and the anxiety it typically produces really got in the way.

Starting to think one of the reasons I'm still single is because I'm too afraid to go near a woman romantically because of the content of my intrusive thoughts. (stupid "what if" of OCD drives me nuts) It's so scary being scared of myself, then scared of what other people would think of me if they knew what goes on in my head with all this OCD crap.

Trying to find a "normal" woman (in other words, one who doesn't have these sort of mental health issues - the usual kind of regular woman, who doesn't know anything about mental health, you find in the world) is just seemingly impossible. Even if I do find a woman, I never know, because I don't give her a chance - I just assume she'd not even wizz on me if I were on fire. >.< I feel like I have nothing to offer except problems and stress. I do have some good things about me, but this mental health crap just drags me down, out there in the real world. At least I can come here and people "get it", but out there, good luck!

You know, on dating sites, you're meant to sell yourself, but that's all very well and wonderful if you're awesome, but what if you have these sort of problems? They always go on about how they like traveling and going to gigs and yadda yadda, ... yeah, that's great, but what if you have social anxiety and going to a small shop 2 minutes down the road can be stressful?

So, how do you guys manage? Any tips or insights for me?

[CANDC]

I think dating sites are way too out there for what I am looking for. I would rather find people with similar interests and start relating to them socially. Having a bigger social network can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Life is about taking chances sometimes, and allowing yourself to get vulnerable, within measure. This is not always the best thing to do, so you must judge situations carefully. However, being able to open up to someone you are in a relationship with is important. Getting to the level where you feel comfortable opening up takes time. Do not set high unrealistic expectations on yourself. Take some time to appreciate yourself for your strengths. I carry out an OCD behaviour daily (undiagnosed) and I've got periods of deep depression and anxiety and it's difficult if not impossible for me to open up fully to my partner about all that is going on inside my head. Before I entered thid relationship I worried I'd never find a guy who would want me for the person I am. So I'm writing this post to let you know that I've been in your shoes in the past and I know how difficult it is. Hugs.