Putting pressure on myself to start dating because many of my friends are getting into relationships?

[jet0254]

I'm 23 and I have a circle of close male friends about 11 of us same age, and there's nine in relationships now. They talk about their relationships and dating a lot which is inevitable however I feel missing from these conversations as I don't really say much here as I haven't been dating in the last two years as I have moved out my parents and sorting house renovation and want it to be finished before I date. Sometimes to me it feels there's a unspoken pressure around guys to get into a relationship or date just for dating's sake just to talk about how you've went on a date just so I can fit in. They're talking about having drinks out with all of them together but I'm not essentially asked to come as I'm not in a relationship which is fine but it makes me question about fitting into the group. Is this pressure real or am I overthinking this?

[Oliverlogan263]

Dude I wouldn't stress too much about it. Just because your friends are all coupling up doesn't mean you need to rush into anything. Sure it probably feels left out sometimes when they're all gabbing about their girls, but that doesn't mean there's something wrong with you for being single still.

Focus on your own thing - finishing up your place sounds important to set yourself up well. Don't just start dating random people to have something to talk about in the group. Those kinds of relationships usually don't last anyhow. When you're ready, you'll meet someone cool naturally.

And your friends should still be including you in regular hangouts too, whether you're single or not. Maybe you could have them over to check out the renos sometime so they don't forget about you as much. But they're probably not meaning to pressure you on purpose or anything.

Just do your own thing at your own pace. If they're really your friends, they'll be there for you no matter what. And who knows, maybe one of their girlfriends will have a cute single friend to set you up with once you've got everything sorted out at home! Stay positive dude.

[Truthatanycost]

I wonder if there is as much pressure to find your life purpose, to become financially free and discover what has been left to you as an heir to Christ. All of that stuff will get you nowhere and should be of the lowest priority anyway. You will be much happier in life when you don't conform to society or friends, but only to your own authentic requirements.

[RoseySarah]

Wait till you find someone worth dating

[DarkWinterNights]

Similar thing happened to me. I had a couple miserable failures trying to jump into a serious relationship until it soured me on relationships in general. Looking back, I was immature at the time and really not ready. Now that I am- I’m not sure I want that anymore. It certainly doesn’t help that most of my friends now are single again. It’s basically our 20’s again, except we have money.

[strateguy632]

don't compare to others. wait until you feel ready. then don't waiy.

[ItsMariusz]

Don't let others influence you