Dating service for 19yr old son

[kedunc]

Have a very socially awkward 19 yr old son, he's never had a girlfriend and is getting very wound up/anxious/depressed about his life.
Suggested to him that a dating agency might be one of several steps to take.
Any suggestions where to start, good or bad experiences.
Will be trying other routes, social clubs etc.

Is the reason for his depression and anxiety just to do with not having a girlfriend or are there other issues?

Internet dating sites have members from 18 to 99 so that's an option, however if he feels awkward in social situations how would he feel about going on a blind date. Something to consider although no harm in signing up to a couple of free ones to see how it goes at the exchanging messages stage.

I like the route of social clubs etc.

Can you tell us a little about your son? Is he studying or working? What are his interests? Does he have many friends?

He is at college and struggling with a lot of support ( from us not college despite all their written policies and his own learning plan ! ).
Has Dyspraxia, ADD, intermittent mild Tourettes ,some obsessive behaviour.
Gets on best with much younger children which results in teasing from others and some concerns about motives etc.
One genuine adult friend and some acquaintances.
I know he is not alone, a young person with issues, not severe enough to trigger or attract much 3rd party support but enough to leave him isolated.
Our main thoughts are to press on to get him involved in some adult social activities with mixed genders just to boost his confidence and let him practise socialising.

So what type of things does he enjoy doing? What type of music is he into? Does he like to play/watch any sport? What films does he like? TV shows?

As he gets on well with much younger children, could some type of volunteering/mentoring program be an option? (My son (14) helps out at an after-school club as part of his DoE activities.)

Could his adult friend take him under his wing a bit more and include him on social outings?

Do you have a local am dram group? It's not all about performing - they're happy for people to join for 'behind the scenes' stuff too like props, set build, lighting & sound. They're a great place to meet new people.

Try and encourage him to start some hobbies outside of college?
Joining gym/sports classes etc maybe?
great way to meet male and female friends?

Tx for the comments, we nagged him into going along to sign up for a creative writing group ( he is creative ! ) and guess what he discovers it has a high proportion of girls and he chatted to one and he is now walking several inches taller !
So far so good :)

That's good to hear, kedunc, keep us updated on his progress!