Should I get a girlfriend just for the sake of experiencing what having a girlfriend

I'm a sophomore in college and I've never had an official girlfriend...never been kissed in other words. I'm not that outgoing and I don't have a lot of friends. I don't have a stable job. I wonder if girls date guys at this point just to feel better about themselves, or because of personality. I know that once I get older, people date for different reasons, but I feel that I might need this experience as a warm-up for when I start dating seriously when I graduate.

It's always good to get experience, in pretty much most things, so you could look into casual dating - meeting new women and seeing where things go from there, and that will help you work out what it is you want from a relationship/girlfriend. Casual dating is a way to get experience around the opposite sex without putting in a lot of emotional investment or stringing anybody along.

But,

I wonder if girls date guys at this point just to feel better about themselves

Click to expand...

You may very well be right, but relationships should never ever be seen as a form of self-validation. It's not fair on the other-half. It's important to be clear on what you both want from each other and not just end up using somebody for practice. Unless practice is what they're after too. Honesty is key.

A lot of people date just because. If they're honest about only wanting a casual relationship (sadly, most aren't in my experience), there's no problem with it. Humans desire companionship and to feel included in life, and that also involves the experiences others are having or have had.

BE HONEST WITH HER from the beginning that you are just looking to casually date and then possibly go further. as long as you are honest about that, then there is no problem. if you are using someone, i repeat: USING SOMEONE, to fill a void in your life with little concern for the other's emotions- that is wrong. don't imply you care for her deeply for your own immediate gain (having company, social status, looking "cool" or "important" because you have a pretty girl on your arm, sex, etc). that would make you a selfish dirtbag. always be honest and straight forward.

(sorry, i just ended a long term relationship which left me feeling a bit used in the end. please excuse me if i come off a little sore.)

As twiggle and dottie have mentioned, be honest. If it's only casual dating you're after, let her know so you don't break her heart.

Also, you don't have to get a girlfriend simply because it's something people do. If you want to wait, there's no harm in that.