[Buckkeepblue]

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[mimsyborogoves]

I feel your pain; I've never really been in a serious relationship, and although I'm still young, I wouldn't mind for my pattern to change a bit! I'm much like you and in a similar situation. I tried dating online, but you might not be surprised that you'll find a LOT of deadbeats on there. Guys without jobs, cars, moral values, ya know. That seems to be what I attract anyway, on and off the internet.

I don't know how to get with guys either. I'm awkward and shy and never know what to say. Being online makes it easier because I'm better at writing than speaking, but we can't write everything we have to say! I'm hoping a changing phase such as going to grad school will open up some more opportunities for me in that department. Not suggesting you do that, but it might help to put yourself in places where there's other people doing the same things you enjoy doing, that way you'll at least have more luck in finding guys that have things in common with you.

[mescelestus]

I'm like too upset about this issue to even give you a cohesive response. I too struggle with this. I had one looooong serious relationship, and I feel like it made me miss out on a lot of practice. I'm not at all as awkward as I used to be either...and I'm almost 30 pounds slimmer than I was last year...BUT I feel like I'm having less and less success and attention with men. Maybe it's because this is my first year in life out of school? I also do generally prefer the company of men in general...SO I'm in the friend zone with all the men I know? All the men I like are my friends...And I haven't found a way to return from the friend zone yet. I guess practice makes perfect?

[Cruelle]

I'm somewhat the same. I feel like I am behind in the game too, since I didn't care for relationships in high school/college. I've always been the shy quiet girl who never really socialized. I've just started to come out of my shell.

Flirting, however, comes natural to me. It just happens. You have to get past the lack of confidence barrier you put up in your head, and just go for it. That's what I do at least. I find simple conversation an easy way to drop little flirts. Start off small, and teasing. Leave them wondering.

You also have to find someone you can connect with. This just makes starting conversations easier. Then after finding out if you truly like them, ease yourself closer and closer to them, and drop the bomb that you think they're pretty awesome.

Once you cross your mental blockers, and let yourself be a social butterfly you never know what might blossom. :P

[masterptr]

just be yourself and enjoy the company whether it is a guy or a gal.
you'll get used to it.