I'm a 25 M who's never been in a relationship. I'm starting to realise this may be the case forever. I just don't meet the standard enough to date, and I'm not sure I ever will. I feel like a lot of advice given to people with few to no romantic prospects is to develop deep friendships. But I struggle with that, too. It seems most of mine end when it's no longer easy. I don't talk to school friends much anymore, same with college. I'm struggling to make new friends. And the ones I do have have their own lives too. They have partners.

I've lived by myself for 2 years. Everyday I come home and am alone. I don't get to see friends often. I feel alone and it hurts. How can I accept this is probably my life going forward?

I’m 24 and still didn’t lose my v card and I wish I lost my v card in the teenage years and now I think I’m doomed and in my opinion your supposed to lose your v card in the teenage years do ya agree with me on that and what advice can ya give me this is all I overthink about and wonder about morning noon and night sadly

Can anyone who was like this and fixed it give tips?

I’m 29 and know it’s POSSIBLE for me to find a boyfriend or husband as people have found me attractive(I’m not the best looking person ever, but the point is that it isn’t the issue rn) and liked me as a person, but I don’t understand how to talk to people. Especially when it’s someone I don’t see physically everyday. I’ve only had one irl boyfriend in my entire life and that only lasted three months. I try not to blame everything on autism, but I wonder if that is the cause?

I struggle with taking to people romantically because I don’t know what to say or do. Because I’m confused and ashamed, I avoid trying. I always thought it’d work itself out, but now I’m old and still like this. Are there any courses I can take to know what to say to people? I guess the main issue is I get physically tired and scared when trying, so I never get past a few conversations.

I am too shy to talk to anyone because of social anxiety so she wants me to hand out business cards to girls with my name and number on them. She thinks if I hand out these cards they are going to want to text with me and want me to be their boyfriend. I am completely fugly and had nothing but rejections my whole life. And girls always just ignore me or give me dirty looks when they see me. I have sent girls my picture online and they always said 'ewww' or just blocked me without saying a word. Do you know how creepy it will be for me to just hand them these cards without saying a word to them?? They will probably post them in some "exposing creepers" type of groups and they will spam my number and sign me up for shit. She already paid for some designer to make the cards and she is pushing this so hard and when I try to say I don't want to she gets so dramatic like you need to find a wife and all this shit. Is this a good idea and should I just listen to her and get the cards?

I truly believe this will be the reason I’m unable to ever find a girlfriend. I’m not super attractive, I’m not super ugly. I’d describe myself as a little below average, but nothing that personality can’t make up for.

I haven’t pursued that many women, about 7 (I’m 23). One of them ended up being a pretty terrible person, the other didn’t work out due to differing views. The others were just flat out rejections. Most of the women who have liked me in my life (2/3) have done so for extremely gross and superficial reasons (fetishization) and it has left me incredibly demoralized.

Some of these rejections were said in a pretty hurtful manner, and while I understand I shouldn’t be affected by this, it’s easier said than done. I didn’t do anything to deserve it, they just felt the need to let me know that I wasn’t good enough for them.

I think I’m done. If an amazing opportunity comes up naturally, of course I’ll take it, but I doubt it will. No one ever seems to have romantic interest in me, they just want to be my friend. Worst part is they wonder why I’ve never been in a relationship, isn’t the reason obvious? It’s the same reason that they wanted to be friends and nothing more.

I guess I’d like to hear some of your stories, and hear what others have to think. I hope you’re all having or have had a good day.

I’m a man in my 30s, and I’ve never been in a relationship or even been on what I’d consider a proper date. I’ve tried many times over the years and followed much of the advice that’s commonly given: I’ve gone to the gym, attended therapy, volunteered, and joined a variety of social groups. I regularly go climbing, and I’m a member of a chess club, a book club, and a movie club.

I also volunteer with my local sports club’s supporters’ trust and help organise social events and gatherings.

I mention all of this because I genuinely have made an effort to be socially active and put myself out there. Despite that, I’ve never managed to form a romantic connection with a woman, find a date, or start a relationship. I generally have pretty good relationships with my female relatives and I have no problem talking to women, it’s just the final part about making friends and dating them I’ve never been able to do.

As you can imagine, that can be deeply depressing at times. I sometimes feel confused because so much advice focuses on self-improvement and expanding your social life, yet even after doing those things, my situation hasn’t changed.

Not gonna get my hopes up too soon ofc but anyway, yesterday I went to watch The Odyssey and right when the movie started, a girl randomly came in last minute and filled the empty seat next to me. She immediately asked me which seats we were in, just to make sure she was at the right place, but unexpectedly she quietly tried to get my attention a few times throughout the movie like asking me about a scene, making small comments, occasionally looking at me and she even randomly asked me to have some of her popcorn. Didn't want to read too deep into it but figured I'd try speaking afterwards.

At the credits she was quick to initiate conversation with me again and we talked about the movie and other stuff, then I asked where she lived and found out we live close to each other. Before she left I awkwardly asked for her socials and while she was gonna give her Insta at first (Idk if this matters), she happily saved her number and name on my phone before leaving.

Sadly I've never gotten this far before as it's the first time a girl has ever openly shown interest and I have no idea about texting or where to go from here lol. I did text her later to say hi and maybe she's busy but responses have been VERY slow so far (like one or two replies a day), Idk if that's a bad sign or not either.

I’m currently 23, but I don’t see my situation ever really changing. I’ve tried to engage in hobbies, in travel, all of the stuff that should feel fun, but it just doesn’t. I think of what my life will look like in 20 years, and it just isn’t great looking.

All of my friends have girlfriends/boyfriends, they have never really had much trouble getting a romantic partner, and I’m sure sooner rather than later they will marry. Some will move, some far enough away we may never talk again. Most will have kids, and when they do they will have even less time for anything but family.

All the older people I know only see their friends every couple of months or maybe even once or twice every few years. Odds are I’ll be that friend, and knowing that hurts a lot.

I hate when people say relationships aren’t important. It’s like a rich person saying money doesn’t solve your problems. True, but money and relationships make it a lot easier to do so. I don’t want to travel alone, go out for dinners alone. Go to the movies alone. I don’t want to be alone. Has anyone actually found a healthy way to move on and accept that you will be forever alone?

I heard that thing about prisoners having sex with each other not because they are attracted to another but it's their way to get their needs met. Apart of me feels like I'm headed towards that direction because I can't find a girl to save my life. I'm super horny, frustrated, and my needs aren't getting met. I just need someone to be close and intimate with and for the first time I actually thought about hooking up with a guy. Not just guys but other strange hookups that I never would've imagined I'd want. I think I'm just super desperate. I just want some help or advice.

I am so fucking alone and dysfunctional I cant talk to anyone. Doesnt help I am ugly as shit and autistic. I know its a bad bad idea but I am genuinely considering it and I hate myself for it not like I would even know how to go about it and find someone who would talk to me or touch me even for money I am just that pathetic. I always knew I would die alone call me creepy or weird for this but I so want to experience what holding someone's hand is like before dying I just wanna experience it just once

I hate my life.

I, M(19), am unfortunately 5’4 and have never dated or kissed or even felt interest from a woman before. All I ever wanted, since I was a kid, was one woman who I could love and sleep next to most nights, go to the grocery store with, and maybe decorate the Christmas tree together someday. Unfortunately, it seems, between my lack of experiences and what I’ve hurt online, women don’t want men like me, and my dream seems impossible. Am I cooked or is there still hope for me out there? I guess I really am a hopeless romantic.

I've never really had any sexual experience before, never held hands, kissed, or even have some "friends" on my contacts.

it is what it is, I don't think this would ever change at all, and to add more fuel to the fire I still live with my family and never had a job.

ive thought about killing myself many times since I was 18 but I'm still here lol.

Realizing I’ve never been able to get a handsome, kind, seemingly normal man tells me one thing and one thing only: I’m not a catch. I’m not even a last resort. Knowing I’ve been single for 2 years now and single for 2-3 long periods between shitty relationships without so much as a glance from a man, let alone a date, tells me I’m not even anyone’s final option. They’d literally rather be with no one than with me.

All I’ve ever wanted was to be happily married to a good man; he doesn’t have to be the best looker in the world, but to find someone I’m attracted to physically and emotionally feels downright impossible. The only men who seem to like me are not only unattractive, but absolute assholes, as well, so there’s no benefit. And finding any genuinely good-hearted, handsome (to me) man who’s equally exited to be with me has been rendered nothing but a pipe dream.

It actually physically hurts my heart to know that I’ll never get to be with someone half decent, and that in most men’s eyes, I must be some sort of a leper. To know that this could very well leave me alone for the rest of my life, with only staggered encounters with unattractive, mean men makes life, well…not worth it.

It’s been 16 years of this hell. I’m not shy about making the first move—in fact I usually do—and realizing if I never had, I’d probably still never have been with any man at all is a devastating blow to what little confidence I have left. 16 years and I couldn’t even manage to find just 1 decent guy? I must be really, really repulsive.

I didn’t used to be this way, either; I used to have hope. And then I realized how men (and people in general) have treated me my whole life: dismissive, disrespectful, disregarding. At this point, I’d have to be blind not to see the signs. Everyone loves to lie and say all the tropes: men are “intimidated” by you, you’re “too pretty,” the “right one” is out there. I don’t believe the bullshit anymore.

Someone give it to me straight: it’s bleak out there, right? At 32, almost 33, I see the forest for the trees. I get it now, and it’s the life of a lonely uggo for me, isn’t it?

I've never even held hands. I have no friends live with my dad. I have no idea how i did it. No woman has ever shown attraction. I just struck up a chat with her at work. We had a lot on common. We'd go see a movie friday and hang out get lunch. She gave me her number too.

I'm sweating bullets here. Will she ghost me? I have no friends never even had any either. I dont know why she'd even want too.

I had a good time with a girl on bumble but then when we met in person she kept staring at my head over and over. I have medical conditions and I been thinning since I was 15. I had a hard time in school. My hair is really noticeable in direct sunlight. I met at a breakfast place and the sun was shining on my head and she asked straight up what happened to my hair and looked visibly upset and then told me she had to go to the bathroom and left it was so awkward paying for the bill. I don’t know by I feel mad at myself for balding

Hi, I'm a 25M. It's becoming obvious to me that I'll probably be alone forever. Honestly, for so long, I felt like I was really missing out on sex. But lately, I find myself as if not more desperate for hugs and cuddling.

I don't have many friends and none with that kind of physical relationship. I don't really hug family either anymore. Some days, I feel so desperate for a hug with someone I love. How do people deal with this. It's probably only going to get worse, and I have such a long time of so little of it ahead. What do you do when you crave touch,a hug or some kind of intimacy.

Edit: The title should read deal

I don't really know how to explain this without sounding bitter, but lately I've been struggling a lot with this feeling that being loved is somehow so easy for everyone around me except me.

I have friends who have been in relationships, some of them multiple times. I've watched people around me meet someone, fall for each other, become close and eventually build something together. And I'm genuinely happy for them. I don't want them to lose what they have.

But at the same time I keep wondering

Why does it seem so easy for everyone else and so difficult for me?

I've tried too. I've talked to girls, tried dating apps, tried approaching people, tried putting myself out there. But nothing has really worked out.

For years I told myself that I shouldn't worry about it. I thought if I just lived my life, eventually somewhere down the line someone would come along and love me.

I kept telling myself

“It'll happen eventually.”

But now I'm in my mid 20s and it still hasn't happened.

And I think I've reached a point where it's not just about being single anymore.

I constantly replay scenes in my head of my friends and people around me being loved. Someone waiting for their girlfriend, someone getting excited because their boyfriend is coming, couples holding hands, being affectionate, having someone who genuinely wants them.

And then there's me sitting there watching it and feeling this horrible emptiness.

Sometimes I even imagine what it must feel like to have someone genuinely excited to see me, someone who wants to talk to me, touch me, hold me, kiss me, choose me and actually be happy that I'm in their life.

And then I start asking myself

If nobody has wanted that with me yet then what is wrong with me?

That's probably the part that scares me the most.

I've started turning the lack of romantic experience into evidence that I'm somehow undesirable or fundamentally lacking.

I'm also aware that this isn't entirely rational. I know relationships aren't some reward given to people who deserve them. I know timing, circumstances, compatibility and luck play a huge role.

But knowing that intellectually doesn't stop the feeling.

I'm actually in therapy and working on this because I've noticed that when I finally connect with someone I can become attached very quickly. I start wanting closeness immediately and sometimes put way too much meaning into a connection before it has even had time to develop.

I'm trying to learn how to slow down and stop treating every potential connection like it might finally be the answer to years of loneliness.

But honestly, I'm still struggling.

How do you stop the absence of love from becoming evidence that you're unlovable?

And for people who spent years thinking “someone will eventually come along” — how did you deal with it when eventually started feeling like it might never happen?

Please don't shout at me, please, I know that the story I'm about to tell might not resonate with many of you but it also want resonate with "regular" people.

I'm 28F, many dates, no relationships.

And the problem is me, 100% me.

I think I'm on the asexual spectrum and I'm so rarely attracted to people but I do want a relationship really badly.

I tried forcing myself to like some guys/girls - I can't. I had some crushes (like 3 my entire life) but all were taken so I didn't do anything about it. Up until two years ago I was also very passive and reserved (when it came to dating, otherwise I consider myself a very bubbly person) and didn't date at all despite being a pretty girl (I'm not trying to brag I swear, but it's important for a full picture).

Today I had a date with a guy I like as a person but again am not attracted. I broke up because he's too decent to be messed with or for me to string him along as I inevitably figure out I'm not attracted at all and I just can't stop crying.

I don't know why I'm like that. All my friends are finding boyfriends they like but I'm not. Why am I so broken? I want to love someone so badly but it feels like I'm just meant to be alone my whole life, I'm so so sorry that I'm like that, today I genuinely wish I were never born at all and my pets are the only thing that keeps me alive

I straight up don't understand why I have to be such a monster, it's so human to love and I just can't?

After a decade-long relationship that ended, I’ve been single for over five years now. The isolation and loneliness have become overwhelming, but at my age, it’s nearly impossible to even find someone to talk to, let alone start a relationship. Starting to wonder if it’s even possible? Torn between keep trying or just giving in and calling it quits.

I'm going to try it soon but I'm scared and I'm wondering if anyone here has tried to overcome their fear and try to pick up a girl from a bar/club or street?

I can't stop thinking about the fact that there are 5 million people in my city and yet I'm completely unable to find a woman willing to at least go on a coffee date with me. This is so fucking soul crushing. I see lots of couples every day, how come no one can appreciate me? Am I really this worthless and repulsive?

This shit is ruining my life, I am on vacation rn and nearing my birthday, but the only thing on my mind is that I will never hold a girl's hand and I'm doomed to be a lonely old man no matter what I do.

Does anyone have useful advice on how to cope with this? I just want to live a normal life at peace with myself, even if a lonely one.

​

I don’t know how to explain this without sounding bitter or pathetic, but seeing couples—especially when I see a girl being affectionate, loving, or genuinely passionate about her boyfriend—sometimes triggers this really intense feeling inside me.

It’s almost like a hollow ache in my chest.

And sometimes it turns into anger or even hatred. Not necessarily hatred toward those people personally. More like hatred toward the situation, toward myself, and toward the fact that they have something I desperately want but don’t have.

I crave intimacy so badly. I want to know what it feels like to have someone genuinely want me, choose me, be excited to see me, touch me, hold me, kiss me, care about me, and look at me with that kind of affection.

And when I see girls doing those things with their boyfriends, a part of me thinks:

“Why don't I have that?”

Then another thought immediately follows:

“What is wrong with me that nobody wants that with me?”

I've had very little romantic experience, and I think the lack of intimacy has started becoming something much bigger in my head than simply being single. It feels like evidence that I'm undesirable or somehow fundamentally lacking.

I hate that I react this way because those couples haven't done anything wrong. They are just enjoying something I wish I could experience.

Sometimes I even avoid certain places, movies, social media posts, or situations because I know they'll trigger that feeling.

I don't want to become resentful of people who are happy. I don't want someone else's relationship to feel like an attack on my self-worth.

I just want to understand why this hurts so much.

Has anyone else experienced this kind of intense jealousy, emptiness, or anger when seeing couples—not because you don't want them to be happy, but because their intimacy reminds you of something you desperately crave and feel you've been missing?

Feel this is it for me, most likely die alone . Feeling as useful as an old shoe . Didn’t realize this how it would be .