Current Events > I'm probably gonna try dating for the first time at almost 25. Am I fucked?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Kind of a rhetorical question because I know this isn't the best place to ask. I'm mostly just venting. I was very depressed for most of my life. I had no trust in anyone, I rarely talked to anyone, and I was just overall a huge downer. I even had a few girls like me but I just never had the trust or energy to give it a try. You'd think that once my depression cleared up I'd be more open to dating, but that wasn't the case. I've been too intensely interested in myself, whether it's improving myself or just indulging in my hobbies, to be willing to invest any amount of time into another person. I've tried dating a few of my female friends over the years but it never worked out because I just couldn't give them the attention they wanted. It always ended before it became serious. If I were to make a solid attempt at dating now, I think I'd just lie and say that those relationships were serious and just didn't work out, at least until I've gotten some experience under my belt.

Has anyone else gone through something like this?
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Its never too late to learn something new. I havent been in your shoes but it sounds like youve already done a lot to improve your life and make yourself into a better person. You didnt get to where you are overnight, and you wont suddenly be every womans dream, but give it time and effort and youll be able to have a happy relationship.
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Im in the same boat as you TC, Ive done a lot to improve myself over the last year or so and its done wonders for my relationships. The biggest key is to not get too ahead of yourself and just take everything one day at a time. Staying present helps you enjoy the little things in a relationship

No you wont get fucked
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Sort of. I didnt really have confidence to talk to girls until I was 26. It took me a while to figure out that just because a girl looks in the opposite direction when you make eye contact, or turns around when youre approaching her, doesnt mean she wants nothing to do with you or is repulsed by you. Some girls just want to see how much effort youll make in order to talk to them. I found that at least 50% of the girls who I thought were shunning me, actually acted quite pleased and flattered whenever I finally had the balls to approach them.

Also I spent a long time not having confidence because I couldnt get girls to match or talk to me on dating sites. It turns out women are just way pickier about the stupidest things on dating sites. Many women who ignore you on a dating site would actually be receptive of you if you talked to them in person. My confidence started soaring through the roof after I finally stopped using dating sites.
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Not the exact situation that you're in but I didn't go on a first date until a week after I turned 25. Mine was mostly a self confidence problem and I just never asked anyone out. That first date was awkward as hell (I actually my voice halfway through the date lol) but after that one they became progressively better. Now I'm about to turn 27 and feel like a pro when I go on dates now. You've got a later start than most people but 25 is still really young and it's possible to make up for lost time IMO
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But to answer your question, are you fucked? I dunno. Its hard out there for single people past their mid 20s because everybodys already taken. But then again, now that Im 28, ive seen a few girls my age get divorced, so maybe theres hope.
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Yes, because I know how it is. You need practice, but people like us dont get to practice, so we fail right away when put in the game
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I think im about be in the same boat, 29 and in a relationship for thr past 8 years but it may be coming to an end. My only advice is to be confident, worst thing that can happen is rejection and even then its not the worst thing. Gotta start somewhere.
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Not that fucked, no. Plenty of late bloomers like yourself just getting into the dating game and the sooner you get some experience the better you'll be long term.

Don't expect miracles for the first few dates. Most dates don't progress into much more, even for experienced people.
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dating in your mid to late 20s is completely different than dating as a teenager or in your early 20s so its nbd

teenage and early 20s girls are just trying to have fun, mid 20s you get more serious girls who are getting into their careers, considering marriage etc
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All you need to do is build your inner confidence, get out there, and mingle.
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Try not to overthink things. Just make the effort to enjoy yourself and make sure it's a positive experience. Treat it less like a "date" and more like an experience you both should enjoy while you feel out each other.

If you seem at ease and content, it'll turn out better.
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I didn't start dating until about 24 or 25. You'll be fine.
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