If I was born a few years later I could have easily ended up on those nice-guy, red pill type of forums. If you feel rejected by society it's easier than ever t

If I was born a few years later I could have easily ended up on those nice-guy, red pill type of forums. If you feel rejected by society it's easier than ever to retreat to your room and immerse yourself in an imagined sense of belonging to online groups. The basic ingredients are shyness, social anxiety and low self esteem (all easier to acquire than ever). After that it's a self-fulfilling downward spiral. You feel unlovable and so the world affirms it. The message we get from the media is that finding a partner is only for those who ooze confidence and charm. The West has a hidden Hikikomori epidemic too. Shared houses are full of single guys living on the internet and takeaway food in their rooms. We just don't have a word in the culture for it yet. Thankfully I met someone who was willing to look past the awkwardness and shyness and surface level quirks. I'm happily married now. I'm not sure I would have ever found my self esteem without her positive encouragement and support. The author's plea for compassion is probably what these guys need to begin healing.