> I avoided social situations all my life because I was (and still am) afraid of rejection. You've acknowledged this is a problem. What are you going to do to

> I avoided social situations all my life because I was (and still am) afraid of rejection. You've acknowledged this is a problem. What are you going to do to fix it? > I feel like the "social" parts of my brain that should have developed years ago have now atrophied/cemented themselves into place, unable to experience the emotions, unable to mentally process social cues and understand the "hidden meaning" the things people say. Fortunately for you, your feeling is incorrect. Those parts of your brain may be underdeveloped, but the brain is plastic and can be changed. > but why bother if it's likely just going to end up in regret/rejection/heartbreak/etc? The pros/cons don't seem to weigh out - but then again, how would I know if I've never been in a relationship? If you don't try, you'll never go anywhere. Have the courage to get hurt. If you get hurt, keep moving. > I'm incredibly embarrassed to admit I've never been on a date of any kind Don't sweat it. Many men are in this same position. > It kills me inside every day I look at myself and scream internally at why and how I feel so broken socially and mentally. So what are you going to do about it? > Doesn't help now that the hairline's receding. Take a look at the work of Derek from More Plates, More Dates. He had a receding hairline as well, and managed to reverse it with a combination of select shampoos, microneedling, and some other things. > just looking to see if anybody else feels this way or have felt this way Yes. I looked in the mirror for many years and hated what I saw. I still feel that way sometimes. There are many just like us.