mid-twenties but no relationship experience

[LittleBabyPigsus]

I am 24 but have never dated or had sex. I've had chronic depression since 14 and it's been treated on and off since 18. As anyone who has had depression knows, it's not good for your love life! How do I get into dating? Tried online dating but no good for me. There is someone I like that I know via a student organisation I'm in, but we don't socialise outside of that organisation's events. We don't live that far away from each other (he's in the West Midlands, I'm in East Midlands) but just asking someone out feels a bit blunt - I want to get to know him better as a friend first but I don't know how to do that. Any advice (on this and also just dating later than your peers generally)?

Don't worry about being 24, I know a bunch of women in your situation, some even older, that haven't had relationships or sex before. Whatever you do, just make sure you take things at a pace that you feel comfortable with. If he's a good guy, he'll understand that and if he doesn't, then you shouldn't waste your time on him!

Why don't you just ask this particular guy to just hang out? Like, you could ask him if he wants to grab a coffee sometime or you could mention an acitivity you're planning to do and (if it's something he's interested in) ask if he wants ot come along. That way you're asking him out but indirectly.

Good luck, I hope it works out!!!

Agree with the PP. The best long term relationships have a foundation in friendship so, if your objective is to make a friend, that's often less daunting. So suggesting going for a coffee or a sandwich is a good start. If you see some event coming up locally you might ask him if he'd like you to get him a ticket. Even if nothing happens romantically, you can never have too many friends.