anyone else the same

[lea2810]

I have been a lone parent since dd was born, I have been on my own totally for 5 years now, and every opertunity of a date or anything I bottle it I'm just so self consious and no confidence left, (not what I used to be) I just find my self repulsive and if I even think about getting close to someone it makes me cringe with embarrassment! Am I going to be on my own forever :(

I understand what you are describing, I felt like that and still struggle a great deal with not feeling attractive or a shadow of my former self. I made a decision to 'get out there' and started online dating which did help my confidence. I went on 4 dates and felt sick with nerves before the first one! I didn't die and I had an ok time :) and all the guys wanted to see me again which was really really nice and a pleasant surprise. I didn't want to see any of them again, but it gave my confidence a much needed boost and helped me to see that I'm not the gargoyle I think I am.
You are not going to be on your own forever, you just need to try to relax and go for coffee or a drink and not build it up to something of mammoth proportions in your mind. You said yourself you have the opportunities to date you just bottle it, so you are attractive and men do want to go out with you. Try not to be so hard on yourself and try to see that you are someone who has a lot going for them x

I am in exactly the same position! Single parent to a boy, been on my own for five years, and the longer it goes on the worse my confidence gets. I've no pearls of wisdom but just wanted to say I feel your pain!