Struggling with being introverted. I want so desperately to break that.

A little backstory first. I am born and raised in Ohio, lived here until I was 22 and joined the Marines. I served three years and got out on a medical/ honorable discharge. I moved to Arizona to live near my sister. It's 2014, And I am about to start college. I was at Arizona State for 3 years and received my Bachelor of Science. A proud accomplishment, however I did not attend my graduation ceremony. I felt no reason to. I hadn't made any connections to anyone and honestly I'm certain I was forgotten by everyone. It's an extremely safe bet. After college I received a job offer in Tampa Florida. Being my first job offer in my field, how could I say no. I was determined to make this work... it lasted a month. The company wasn't as wonderful as my interviewer made it sound. On top of that I have a really expensive and tiny apartment with a 7 month lease on it. Luckily I had a hefty savings account and I collect Military Disability Compensation, so despite everything, I'm able to be financially stable. After 7 months in Florida with no luck, my lease ran out and the only thing I could think to do is move back to Ohio. it's January of 2018 and I am walking into a temp agency who offers me a factory job. Nothing close to my field of study, however the pay is good so I accepted. I've been there ever since.

Now for the actual post

I have struggled with socializing for a very long time. Unless I meet someone spontaneously, I'm almost likely never going to make a friend, let alone a romantic partner. I am rather introverted, and I have a very poor image of our society. The way I see it, the only way to meet people is online dating, through work, through school, or through a current friend. If I am wrong on that please contradict me...please

I swore off alcohol this year. I just didn't like how it made me feel. It was super easy to do, considering I wasn't addicted and I've always been responsible enough to avoid getting drunk. That being said, I'm aware bars are common meet up places and I don't know if I have the confidence to make such an approach. On top of that I already graduated college and everyone I knew lives in a different state and doesn't speak to me anymore (basically I was ghosted). Lastly, my job is in a factory, meeting people there isn't easy since my personal job is very independent. There are people at work I like, however either they work conflicting schedules to me, or they have big families and lack any free time at all. So I only ever see them at work.

I have attempted online dating many times and while I have had some serious relationships through it some years ago, since moving back to my home state, Ohio, I've had nothing but poor luck on those sites.

At this point all I can assume is that I'm being too whiny, or too picky, and throwing away any suggestions that come my way and I am definitely not wanting to do that. The truth is, I have been alone for so long, I've honestly forgotten how to interact with people on a personal, or real level. For a year now it's been go to work, and then go home. Off the top of my head, I honestly can't think of any places in my area not bar related, where people like to socialize.

I'm listening to myself as I write this and it seriously sounds like a tall order... Am I being a choosing beggar? I would appreciate any advice people would be willing to share.

In conclusion, I've come to a very upsetting realization for myself, I feel like I have no friends, and I'm restricting myself in so many ways that would otherwise change this. I guess I'm just starting to feel lonely.

Submitted May 14, 2019 at 02:30AM

A little backstory first. I am born and raised in Ohio, lived here until I was 22 and joined the Marines. I served three years and got out on a medical/ honorable discharge. I moved to Arizona to live near my sister. It's 2014, And I am about to start college. I was at Arizona State for 3 years and received my Bachelor of Science. A proud accomplishment, however I did not attend my graduation ceremony. I felt no reason to. I hadn't made any connections to anyone and honestly I'm certain I was forgotten by everyone. It's an extremely safe bet. After college I received a job offer in Tampa Florida. Being my first job offer in my field, how could I say no. I was determined to make this work... it lasted a month. The company wasn't as wonderful as my interviewer made it sound. On top of that I have a really expensive and tiny apartment with a 7 month lease on it. Luckily I had a hefty savings account and I collect Military Disability Compensation, so despite everything, I'm able to be financially stable. After 7 months in Florida with no luck, my lease ran out and the only thing I could think to do is move back to Ohio. it's January of 2018 and I am walking into a temp agency who offers me a factory job. Nothing close to my field of study, however the pay is good so I accepted. I've been there ever since.Now for the actual postI have struggled with socializing for a very long time. Unless I meet someone spontaneously, I'm almost likely never going to make a friend, let alone a romantic partner. I am rather introverted, and I have a very poor image of our society. The way I see it, the only way to meet people is online dating, through work, through school, or through a current friend. If I am wrong on that please contradict me...pleaseI swore off alcohol this year. I just didn't like how it made me feel. It was super easy to do, considering I wasn't addicted and I've always been responsible enough to avoid getting drunk. That being said, I'm aware bars are common meet up places and I don't know if I have the confidence to make such an approach. On top of that I already graduated college and everyone I knew lives in a different state and doesn't speak to me anymore (basically I was ghosted). Lastly, my job is in a factory, meeting people there isn't easy since my personal job is very independent. There are people at work I like, however either they work conflicting schedules to me, or they have big families and lack any free time at all. So I only ever see them at work.I have attempted online dating many times and while I have had some serious relationships through it some years ago, since moving back to my home state, Ohio, I've had nothing but poor luck on those sites.At this point all I can assume is that I'm being too whiny, or too picky, and throwing away any suggestions that come my way and I am definitely not wanting to do that. The truth is, I have been alone for so long, I've honestly forgotten how to interact with people on a personal, or real level. For a year now it's been go to work, and then go home. Off the top of my head, I honestly can't think of any places in my area not bar related, where people like to socialize.I'm listening to myself as I write this and it seriously sounds like a tall order... Am I being a choosing beggar? I would appreciate any advice people would be willing to share.In conclusion, I've come to a very upsetting realization for myself, I feel like I have no friends, and I'm restricting myself in so many ways that would otherwise change this. I guess I'm just starting to feel lonely.