[adviceneeded72]

I'm curious how others handle dating when they suffer from severe anxiety. I don't consider myself an ugly man but that being said I haven't had a date in close to 5 years now. I have had chances but I always back out thinking how can I bring someone else into my mess of a life. But I am tired of being alone and don't know what to do... I'm 42 and feel like I will be alone forever!!! What can I do?

[Altered Moment]

I don't know. I have the same problem. In my younger years I was married and then after divorce dated a lot and had some good relationships. I think sowing my wild oats was more motivating than the anxiety and shyness in those years after divorce.

Now it is anxiety but more so why would someone want to be with me and put up with all my depression. I start getting real motivated to date and then a depression hits again.

[adviceneeded72]

That is my problem exactly. It just feels like a never ending cycle.. I get excited and then when I realize I can't do it I get depressed. Thank you for making me feel I am not alone in this. I'm sorry you are going through it too. What makes it worse too is that my family doesn't understand why I am not dating and will ride me about am I going to be single forever. I try explaining but they don't seem to get it.

Usually I just try to chat and if there is an opportunity i turn the lights off and have sex with her.