How to open yourself up to dating?

[Staples]

I've never really been comfortable having a partner and introducing them to my friends, let alone my family. I notice a deep subconscious need to not look too interested in women. I've turned away lots of opportunities because of this. I think there's some weird need for me to not allow myself to be intimate.

Has anyone else dealt with this?

[Ether]

You are afraid to be hurt?

[NoSelfSelf]

It means that you have to let go of something to be open for someone to come i know what you feel you see there is nothing in being with someone if you havent made yourself happy first...

[Shin]

Huge red flag.

You need some deep shadow work/introspections.

[Staples]

@Ether Aren't most people? I wouldn't say I am more afraid than the average person.

@Shin yikes! Do you have any good resource recommendations for that? Or is good old contemplation the way to go?

 

I appreciate the responses

[frnsh]

I have had similar problem since I got out of a long relationship 2 years ago. I think some of it comes from me becoming more independent and having a life that I want alone, and some from the fact that I have been observing and noticing how many relationships with certain people just won't work. Generally I've become a bit picky. 

If you feel the same, it is fine. Of course we are aging but on the other hand, being alone is a lot better than being in a bad relationship. Unless you want to take the challenge with some one that you feel fit.