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.

[Anonymous]

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