Dating & Romance Rant

[Wilford111]

If you refer to women as females that’s a good way to turn women away

I pretty much only use the terms "male" and "female" when I'm comparing or contrasting the two. I don't think that's an issue.

About my previous post, I kind of regret making it. It's not as if it's only girls giving that advice, guys are saying it too. I apologize.

I think the real problem here is that due to me not being a very social person, I don't have many friends; which is also why I feel so nervous about losing any. But I think the advice given in this topic, about putting myself out there and meeting new people as friends, is what I need to focus on. In addition to working on self esteem.

[Shihen]

I think the real problem here is that due to me not being a very social person, I don't have many friends; which is also why I feel so nervous about losing any.

Just want to add in here that it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You can show casual interest in your friends to gauge their interest, and still be friends if they aren't. A big part of the issue is that you're looking at romantic relationship status as an achievement you can fail to obtain, and that if you do fail the awkwardness will kill the friendship. It's just a label for what a preexisting relationship has become, and not making that transition doesn't have to be awkward unless you make it awkward. Expressing casual interest is also good for you regardless of the outcome because it lets the other person know you were interested and leaves the ball in their court. If things ever do change, they'll let you know. If friendship is all they want, you get to keep a cool friend.