Search Results: overcome stress

Here's my situation. Im 25, I've never been on a date before, and I've had sex with a woman. It was a hookup, and thought it was kind of mediocre. I prefer emotional connection over sex, but people I like are very rare. I don't know anyone anymore, and I have to meet people in person. The problem however is Im usually too shy to talk to anyone to even get a date. Usually I just end up staring at my phone and leaving because Im too scared to talk to anyone. I also lack self confidence, I live with family, and I work fast food. Currently deciding on whether to go back to school or just stick with crap jobs and welfare. Here's the thing: Dating stresses me out and depresses me. I dont feel like I have much of a chance, and the stress is so much Im considering giving up and either being alone or try dating men. I feel like it's not normal to be this shy and maybe I should just give up and move on. I don't want pity, I want real honest answers. Im tired of false hope and constant failure. Does someone like me stand a chance in the dating world or should I just move on? Is it normal to feel this way? What are some good icebreakers and tips to overcome this issue?

Even if everything is normal and stable and I'm not suffering from hunger, cold, thirst, homelessness, lethargy, serious depression or stress and have overcome certain trauma.
so there's no reason to be sad... Right?

yet sometimes i do and it can be painful.
in these times i remind myself "this is normal. This is life."

but perhaps it isn't normal because I'm still longing for a home in America or at least Europe.

what do you think?