Okay, I'll jump in. This was me until earlier this year. I was a virgin till I was 34. Being in a romantic relationship wasn't something I was interested in (because reasons...) and it just never happened. So I went about building my career, friendships, and hobbies and was mostly happy, but two years ago I had some major life changes that got me to rethink a lot of assumptions I held about myself. I realized I wanted to try dating; it is such a common experience. My goal was literally a date-didn't even care if it was a bad or good date--just a date.

This basically meant confronting a lot of insecurities about myself (yup I'm fat and inexperienced) but therapy helped a lot. I knew there were plenty of people who wouldn't be interested, but that is dating in general. I also knew that just meant they weren't my people. And that is ok.

I went on dates and I met someone on OKC who I clicked with. And honestly it was a way bigger thing in my head than his. I also found that a lot of the qualities that make someone a great friend also apply to being in a romantic relationship. The hardest part was just trusting that someone wanted that physical intimacy with me. It took a while, but I got there.