AlbertaGuy said:
Hi, I am new to these forums and I'm not sure where to start. I've always been perfectly happy being alone most of the time. My relationships with women are few and far between (single over 3 years). I do have a few people that I've been friends with since high school (I'm 34 now) and we hang out sometimes. I don't have a girlfriend and honestly I wouldn't be a very good partner to anyone the way I feel these days. All of my friends are married, most have families. Get togethers are rare. I am very depressed. I see no real way I will ever be happy again. Is there anyone else out there in this situation?
Listen, for everyday that you wake up, you have another chance to get it right. Don't compare yourself to your friends. Maybe that life isn't for you. Focus on what makes you happy and what you like. If you like wine, take a vacation to Italy. If you like drawing or gardening, sign up for some classes. Join a running club. Find some religion. Be part of a group. That's one of the easiest ways to combat loneliness.
I wouldn't recommend online dating to cure your not having a girlfriend problem. It usually ends up where you imagine the person to be a million times better than they are, and your hopes are dashes.
Just focus on socializing yourself right now, hard as it is. Maybe ask one of your friends to accompany you to your first yoga class or adult football league game. Do something to keep you active, because it's scientifically proven that people who excercise at least 30 minutes a day have less self esteem issues!
And don't forget you can always talk to me and everyone else on the forum