Iseesky
Well-known member
Particularly, how do you explain to them why your lifestyle is so different than others?
I've been dabbling in online dating lately. I haven't had much luck, but that's mostly just because the entire thing was very overwhelming (lots of messages - good and bad) and nobody really caught my eye. There is/was this one guy that I spoke to, but I kind of psyched myself out simply because of having to explain to him my 'condition.'
I think I'm a catch. :shyness: I'm not really worried about guys getting to know me personally, but I AM really worried about having to explain why, at 23, my life is the way it is. ie pretty uneventful with only 2 real friends...only one of which I see frequently.
Someone that also struggles with a mental health condition would understand, but someone that is 'normal,' might have a bit more difficulty. The fear of being judged and the fear of getting to like someone only for them to run after finding out I spend my weekends watching movies alone is really turning me off dating.
So how do you guys explain your situations to someone you're getting to know romantically? What kinds of reactions have you gotten? When do you bring it up? Do you bring it up by name "I have social anxiety disorder" or do you beat around the bush and say "I'm kind of scared of people and don't like to go out much"? I also worry that I'll just be a burden. While I am doing all I can to improve myself and have been doing really well lately, I require someone with a LOT of patience and understanding! And it's not easy to tell right away if someone fits the bill.
EDIT: I should also mention that I know that I'm young. I know that my life isn't going to be all sorted out at this age. However, people in my age group (ie late teen/twenties) are dating and travelling and pursuing careers and such. Being adventurous basically. Getting to know the world. I'm not doing that. I work. That's about it.
I've been dabbling in online dating lately. I haven't had much luck, but that's mostly just because the entire thing was very overwhelming (lots of messages - good and bad) and nobody really caught my eye. There is/was this one guy that I spoke to, but I kind of psyched myself out simply because of having to explain to him my 'condition.'
I think I'm a catch. :shyness: I'm not really worried about guys getting to know me personally, but I AM really worried about having to explain why, at 23, my life is the way it is. ie pretty uneventful with only 2 real friends...only one of which I see frequently.
Someone that also struggles with a mental health condition would understand, but someone that is 'normal,' might have a bit more difficulty. The fear of being judged and the fear of getting to like someone only for them to run after finding out I spend my weekends watching movies alone is really turning me off dating.
So how do you guys explain your situations to someone you're getting to know romantically? What kinds of reactions have you gotten? When do you bring it up? Do you bring it up by name "I have social anxiety disorder" or do you beat around the bush and say "I'm kind of scared of people and don't like to go out much"? I also worry that I'll just be a burden. While I am doing all I can to improve myself and have been doing really well lately, I require someone with a LOT of patience and understanding! And it's not easy to tell right away if someone fits the bill.
EDIT: I should also mention that I know that I'm young. I know that my life isn't going to be all sorted out at this age. However, people in my age group (ie late teen/twenties) are dating and travelling and pursuing careers and such. Being adventurous basically. Getting to know the world. I'm not doing that. I work. That's about it.
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