I can tell you my story. At least, a short version of it.

I used to be a very shy person. I wasn't much of a follower but I just didn't have a strong set of social skills. More than that, I didn't even talk to women. Even as friends. I went through most of my life like this.

By the time I was graduating from University with my Masters I decided to make a change. That's when I came here. Using this subreddit and a few others I completely changed myself, physically, and psychologically into what can be best described as "the me that I always wanted to be". It wasn't so much of a change as it was uncovering the real me that I always was deep down inside. I lost 30 lbs. I completely changed my style (clothing, beard and hair). And I learned not just how to talk, but how to lead. The whole process took over a year and a half but I went from a guy who couldn't even hold a conversation with most people to the guy everyone wanted to talk to and hang out with.

At 26, I went on my first date. One month and 2 girls later, I had my first kiss, immediately followed by many others. Half a week later, I lost my virginity to an amazing hot girl who was completely nuts about me. She literally bused 2 hours from a different city to see me that night. In the almost 3 years since then, I have slept with 9 girls and had 2 amazing long term relationships. Many of the girls I dated have told me that I was the best thing that ever happened to them and I still have some of them looking me up. This weekend, I actually met up with one of the girls I knew who just happened to move to the same city I'm in now.

It's tough. It's painful. You will fail. Many times. Believe me, I know. But if you take it every day, one tiny step at a time and fight through it, eventually you'll get there.

And as a special not for those of you worrying about hair loss, I'm basically bald. None of the girls I ever dated gave a fuck. (Actually they gave many. ;) )