I’m 25M and I’ve spent most of my adult life using achievement as a reason to postpone dating. Because of it, I’ve never done more than kiss a few women. I grew up obese and it really affected my self-image. I’ve lost a lot of weight, but I still lack that confidence around women. A big part of it is that I’m self-conscious about my lack of experience and I always just assume they’ll be able to tell right away. I kept telling myself I’d start putting myself out there once I lost the weight, made enough money, got my career together, felt confident enough, etc. The goalpost kept moving. I always imagined that at some point I would just sort of become this confident guy around women once I had accomplished enough goals— it sounds silly even saying it, I know. Now I’ve realized I can be confident, funny and extremely comfortable talking to strangers or clients professionally, but the second I’m attracted to a woman in a casual environment, I get in my head and become a completely different person. I just sort of shell up and turn into this awkward mess. I have essentially no dating experience, live in a small town, and don’t really know how to start building that part of my life. For men who got a late start, how did you do it? How did you actually get out of your own head and start putting yourself out there? I’m not looking for some magic trick, just looking for some advice or maybe a new perspective from men who have actually been in a similar position. submitted by /u/Important_Bid7533
Originally posted by u/Important_Bid7533 on r/AskMen