How do you get your foot on the dating ladder?

[Anonymous]

Who needs a black bar when you can use an emoji.

I'm a young guy in his 20s; I'm really trying to improve myself and get out there, but I'm pretty shy and anxious about my appearance.

• I work
• I use the gym
• I've never been into trouble

But have no clue how to approach women, or respond to women who approach me. I think I experience what people refer to on here as "eye tag", but I don't understand it.

What advice would you give me?
And does my picture look good?

[Flifflu]

I’m an 18 year old girl (accidentally put in wrong age) so I don’t really have the same problem, since guys usually ask me out and not the other way around. But I’ve just recently put my foot in to the dating world and been on dates with three guys now. Not a lot, but a few. I’ve realized that dating can be tricky but it’s a Wonderfull adventure. My experience is that dating can be scary, especially if you’re as un experienced as I am, but it’s fun putting yourself out there and give yourself the opportunity to open up and allow another person to really get to know you.

My advice for you is probably not to take things seriously, the first dates you will have will probably not be with the person you will spend your life with, and that’s ok.

As a guy you probably have to ask the girl out, and asking is scary. Even if the girl rejects you she will still feel very flattered and as long as she’s not an asshole she will most likely not hold it against you.

You seem like a very nice guy! And you actually look good as well! Your person is out there, you just have to build up the courage and confidence to open up and start looking. Your first dates and tries may be and probably will be a bit strange but that is how we learn and grow. GOOD LUCK MATE💕

[Avicenna]

You've identified your problem- it's your confidence and difficulties in talking with women. Someone like you needs a dating coach and some practice talking to women.

[VanillaSalt]

You don’t. You build yourself and eventually your find a good one. Women aren’t worth dating right now. Wait until your mid 20s and you’ve built a career.

[Feelicks]

Have a job and a bit of fun money, go on dating sites or ask girls out irl.

It's really a numbers game, you just have to make lots of attempts with different women and eventually you'll vibe with someone.

[Alejandro3000]

Hold a large sum of cash in your hand and walk around buying lots of stuff Infront of women.

[Supernormal]

Stop thinking of any ladder. You don't need it to smash. Except you're into giraffes

[Anonymous]

Ur a white man will throw themselves at you. Go talk to an Asian chick they have no standards

[Asker]

Previously I got likes from all the way in East Asia and Peru. How do they think something like that would work out when we could never meet?

I just matched with a local one but I don't know what to say. Appearances are one thing, but knowing what to say is another.

[Opinion Owner]

You have good careers?

[Asker]

Too early to tell. But I have enough to get by. I'm the type to wear a suit and a tie. I had a good conversation with an indian lady yesterday in person, but I had to leave the event early - I dont know how to to romanticise, so I was just engaging in friendly conversation.

What upset me was seeing that another attendee had found a partner through the social group since I last saw her; I wasn't romantically interested in that lady, but it still hurts to see.

You probably have a much better career and education than I, knowing how resourceful the Asian people I have met are. I messaged the Asian woman who liked my profile a question, but she did not respond.

This weekend has been rather disasterous, heatwave and all.

[Asker]

oh wait. They did reply! I was too busy watching a cowboy film.

[Opinion Owner]

Good luck I told you

[Iron_Man]

Wait for COVID-19 to end

[Asker]

This is a fair point, but some people talk like it never will.

[Iron_Man]

Hopefully it will soon

[VanillaSalt]

Covid won’t end… it’s going to shift to a new problem when the government wants to control us…

[Asker]

@VanillaSalt that's my current outlook tbh. The measures and freedoms will likely never be returned in full after they were allowed to be taken away.

Though I will continue to take precautions and remain aware of the case numbers.

[VanillaSalt]

Dude. I got COVID. I was actually sick 2 days with little more than a cold and diarrhea. Missing 2 weeks of work hurt me for a month. Threw off all my fucking finances.

Fuck the government lockdown I live in Texas. I go out to buffets, the park, fishing, work full time, visit family, even got my beers trimmed the other day at a barber. That cock sucker in charge can’t tell me what to do I’m from Texas.

[Asker]

@VanillaSalt Things are arguably better here in England, but the dating scene is still stymied. Mingling meet ups have started again this week, I just noticed them too late to attend.

[VanillaSalt]

I wouldn’t date in England… I’ve heard about your … women. Fat, feminist, and if your porns anything to go by… STARFISH!

[Asker]

@VanillaSalt Yes and no, it's a bit of a mix. The best way to describe it is "Minesweeper: IRL Edition".

I've gotten two likes this morning after adding this pic, one was a 💣 but I've been like-less for over a month. So it's still a positive.

I just uploaded a pic I took today that makes me look like Steve Rogers too, so fingers crossed.

[VanillaSalt]

Lol meanwhile I spent 2 years on dating apps and got 1 date… I don’t look like Steve Rogers haha

[Asker]

@VanillaSalt DW, I haven't got any dates either. I bore them by instantly friendzoning myself

[Iron_Man]

Why don’t you guys talk on the telephone you’re blowing up my notifications

[VanillaSalt]

Never trust an online whore. If you don’t meet them in person or through friends their not worth it.

[CantGetItUp]

Lift it up

[Asker]

😂 I can't say you're wrong. Well played.

[Anonymous]

How long have you been single now?

[Asker]

😶 no comment.