I feel like I’m running out of time here. I could use some tips.

I’m (M) probably overthinking this, but I’ll be 26 next month and I’ve been with one woman, from 2016-2019. At that time I had turned 19 a day prior to calling it official and she was a couple months short of 18. She was a Christian saving herself for marriage and I (at the time had no religious beliefs) did not care and was willing to wait despite her being my first (and still only) girlfriend. A year and 10 months in she decided against her original belief and I made sure she was completely positive it was what she wanted. I was 4 months short of being 21 when we lost our virginity together.

Well now almost 26, and my only relationship ending just before Covid locked us down, I’ve noticed I’ve become even more introverted than I already was. Going to clubs or parties I stick to my friends. I’ve tried dating apps and when the odd match comes in I either don’t message, they message first and the conversation is so dry I know there will be no connection, or I assume she’s waiting for a message first and I get so nervous I just delete my profile (the latter of which happened in December).

How do I go about getting into another relationship after 4 years of not dating, very little sexual experience, and being mid-20’s? I’ve got a few cousins just a few years older than me, all of which are married and one has a kid.

I feel like I’m behind. I also haven’t settled on a career so I’m still working retail and paying off debt. At this point I wonder who would want to be with me.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Submitted January 05, 2023 at 12:16AM

I’m (M) probably overthinking this, but I’ll be 26 next month and I’ve been with one woman, from 2016-2019. At that time I had turned 19 a day prior to calling it official and she was a couple months short of 18. She was a Christian saving herself for marriage and I (at the time had no religious beliefs) did not care and was willing to wait despite her being my first (and still only) girlfriend. A year and 10 months in she decided against her original belief and I made sure she was completely positive it was what she wanted. I was 4 months short of being 21 when we lost our virginity together.Well now almost 26, and my only relationship ending just before Covid locked us down, I’ve noticed I’ve become even more introverted than I already was. Going to clubs or parties I stick to my friends. I’ve tried dating apps and when the odd match comes in I either don’t message, they message first and the conversation is so dry I know there will be no connection, or I assume she’s waiting for a message first and I get so nervous I just delete my profile (the latter of which happened in December).How do I go about getting into another relationship after 4 years of not dating, very little sexual experience, and being mid-20’s? I’ve got a few cousins just a few years older than me, all of which are married and one has a kid.I feel like I’m behind. I also haven’t settled on a career so I’m still working retail and paying off debt. At this point I wonder who would want to be with me.Any advice is much appreciated.