I'm really struggling with loneliness and I don't know what to do

[brennansbread]

I'm so ashamed of myself and I feel like I can't share this with anyone. I've never had a boyfriend. I haven't a clue how to get one. I have tried OLD but I just keep getting ghosted. I have tried joining clubs and force myself to go places and try and meet people, but it's only ever small talk.

I can't bring myself to tell my friends how I feel. They're all coupled up and I feel like such a failure. I've had therapy but it only made me feel even worse.

I don't know how to go on like this. I wish I didn't care but I do.

OP I'm sorry you're feeling so lonely.

Would you feel brave enough to ask your friends for honest feedback on what might be putting people off? Could it be your communication style (too needy/desperate) etc?

And this is really old school, but ask your coupled up friends to invite you to any social occasion where there are potential matches. Afterwards, ask them for feedback on how you interacted and whether it would have put them off. (don't ask them beforehand because you won't act naturally if you know they are watching.)

Dating is very much a numbers game. It can be fairly brutal so you do need to develop a thick skin but I treat it like a job. Put lots of effort in for a few weeks (multiple dates per week) and then take a break.