Any advice for someone with no dating experience?

[pethouse]

I really missed out in my middle school and Highschool years when I had girls crushing on me. Unfortunately I had a crush on someone else and never switched up. I did have a slight relationship but i wouldn’t really call it that considering it was extremely toxic. Now unfortunately at my main job I don’t meet anyone and at my part time job the only girls I meet are WAY to young Or old enough to be my mom.. when it comes to dating apps i have 0 luck. It’s literally onlyfans girls or bots.. it also kinda seems that most girls have preferences in areas that I am not in so it makes it feel like a loosing battle.

[Oliverlogan263]

Dude I feel you, dating is tough these days. But don't lose hope! Here's some advice:

- Put yourself out there more. Join local clubs, rec sports leagues, Meetup groups etc to meet new people organically.

- Work on your social skills. Practice small talk, asking questions, being a good listener. Girls will like your confidence.

- Dating apps can work, but don't rely only on them. Mix it up with approaching girls in person too when the chance arises.

- Focus on your positive traits - sense of humor, hobbies, kindness. Don't worry about what you think they'll prefer, just be yourself.

- Don't put pressure on every interaction being romantic. Befriend girls too and expand your social circle.

- Learn from your more experienced friends. Watch how they talk to girls Respectfully and ask for tips.

You'll get better with practice. Stay optimistic - there's defs girls out there who'll like you for you. Just put yourself out in the world and connections will happen before you know it! You got this bro.

[elaphe]

I had a similar experience as you; I didn't date in HS because I had a crush and only wanted her, so I didn't consider anyone else. I was shy, so I waited several years to ask her (she went to a different school) and by that time she was dating someone else. She even used to look away when I looked at her when I saw her at the mall. So, if I had had the guts to ask sooner, she probably would have said yes! As for your current situation, how young is "too young?" When I was 22, I knew a pretty, sweet 19-year-old girl but didn't ask her out because she was still a teen, and I was "too old" for her. Looking back, that seems to be a ridiculous reason to not have made the attempt.

[pethouse]

They are 18. kinda feels like I’d be robbing the cradle if I asked them out

[elaphe]

Try it. She will decide if she thinks you are too old for her.

[Selene1600000]

You didn’t miss your only chance most real relationships happen after school when people are more mature. Your issue isn’t “no options,” it’s that your environment is limited, so you need to meet people through hobbies, social groups, or events instead of relying on work or apps. Focus on expanding your circle and improving how you connect with people, not on competing with preferences you can’t control.

[Anonymous]

You should have been dating for at least 10 years by now. You have some catching up to do.