I am a loner and an outsider.
I have friends, but nobody I could describe as being a close friend.
Nor have I ever felt inclusive by my friends as they have for the most part kept me at arms length and separate from their friends. Which has always confused me.
I was 39 years old before I had my first and so far only sexual relationship and that lasted less than a year. This relationship still confuses me to this day. We both had our issues, but there are still aspects about our relationship that still bothers me.
I was the first man she had ever dated that had not abused her in any way. I did not beat her, raise my voice with her, nor did I emotionally abuse her in anyway. She found this unnerving as she kept waiting for me to lash out at her, to abuse her.Which of course I didn't because that's not the sort of man that I am. So as a result, she found that she couldn't relax and be herself with me.
As for me, it left me wondering if the only reason she dated me was that she thought I was like the rest of the men in her life, an abusive monster.
In my last year of high school, a classmate told me that I needed to find myself a regular prostitute because the only way I was ever going to have sex with a girl was to rape her as none of girls wanted me for sex.
This has left me feeling angry and paranoid that I could be scene as such a person. The effects of which have scared me deeply in that it has had an adverse effect upon my mental health. I have a poor self image of myself, as I look in the mirror trying to find the monster that others see lurking there.
Although I am flawed and broken, I am a decent, down to earth honorable guy with old worldly manners.
But these attributes don't seem to matter much when it comes to dating and sex.
Sounds like you're struggling with some emotional and mental issues I would suggest counseling and it may take one or two tries to find the right person but it may help you get going in the right direction
I've done the counselling. It's a work in progress
I find that women are often attracted to men who take care of their health and physical well-being.
I've been in that place, where I felt there was something terribly wrong with me, when it was really about the way I was treated by cruel and/or sick people who only knew how to play upon my vulnerabilities and put me down. Not having any other frame of reference, I always thought it was me; as a result, I had a really tough time getting close to anyone. Took some work to recognize my inner worth and see that I deserve love and respect, so I'm saying it's possible. If you can, I suggest seeking help; there's no shame in what you've experienced and in reaching out for help. Just posting this here is a courageous step. Rest assured you're not alone.
Hi, Iwantu, and welcome to the website!
I'm sorry you've been going through challenging experiences, but maybe you'll find someone compatible with you on this website.
Be sure to present yourself in an upbeat, positive light; people will see you as you see yourself. If you think you are valuable and fun to be with, they'll believe it also!
Never complain-never explain, is a good dating motto!
By the way, this website has a bit of a learning curve, so here's some info, in case you need it.
For members who are open to dating, certain thumbnails and profiles have a heart symbol on them with a percentage. This identifies which members are open to dating, and the percent shows approximately how compatible others are with them.
You gain website points by answering all the profile questions and writing a bio, which also earns website points, and helps other members get to know you.
Commenting on posts and writing your own posts earns more points. At level two you can private message people, and at level eight you get an agnostic T-shirt.
If you want to date, the website uses profile algorithms to find member matches, so the more details one includes, the better the match.
Many people prefer to see a written profile talking about interests, hobbies, and backgrounds that can be quickly perused to find others with similar interests..
In case you didn't know yet, to find members near you, click on the "Browse" button at the top of the page, then on "Members," and enter your preferred search parameters.
Click on the "Discuss" button, then "Nearby" to find members near you also.
Or click on the "About" button at the top left of the page to find links to FAQ or the website tutorial.
Points are now being given to level 3+ members who chat. You can see chat rooms on the group main page or at [agnostic.com].
**You are not alone by a long shot. climb up out of the deep pit you are in, see a therapist, groupl therapy, join something , read self help books, get a physical and mental make over. I know some almost ugly people who are so So popular with the opposite sex thanks to personality and you can develop and change that if you want to.
It seems to me that the idiot in high school (who was just being an adolescent jerk) created doubt in your mind about your ability to be in a relationship that was only strengthened by your partner. I do think she was waiting for you to abuse her in some way -- not consciously -- but she doesn't know how to relate to any other type of man. I'm so sorry she put your through that. You were put into a no-win situation, there was literally nothing you could do 'right' in that relationship. But it certainly doesn't mean that you don't deserve or can't find love. However, you do need to work on yourself to understand that it's something you deserve. Therapy might be a start, but as mentioned by someone earlier, a group might be a great idea as you get to practice behaviors. Also, see if you can find groups to join -- book clubs, sports clubs -- something that you really enjoy doing. Get to know the people as friends and maybe something else will develop. Don't give up hope.
What I would have said, but probably not as well!
Sounds like you have labeled yourself an outsider and foster that by befriending people who aren’t available to you—kids in high school, the sexual trauma survivor, and the “friends” who are actually just acquaintances. We take roles that offer some sort of fulfillment, even the fulfillment of feeling unjustly ostracized. A good therapist can help you work thru those issues. If a therapist is financially out of reach, look at self esteem books in the library.
ild recommend group cbt therapy or 1-1 person centred if you truly cannot work out who you are and the image you are presenting to the world the group because yoou might get honest feedback the 1-1 if you feel uncomfortable in groups. The older we get the more entrenched our behaviours can become and unpicking them can be a painful process it requires brutal self honesty other wise its just a trip on a metaphorical round about going no where good luck
Thank you for your feedback and advice. It's why I shared my story, as I know I'm probably not the only one out there that is or has had similar experiences.
This was excellent advice and I'm glad you saw it.