How can I learn to be more trusting of people and let them into my life, with dating in particular? Any books or strategies for getting over issues like this?
I am becoming very isolated because I am so scared of letting people into my life that I have halfway convinced myself that I'm just a loner type and do better by myself, which I know is not true because I am starving for human contact. But for some reason I have a block where I am just petrified to make a move and ask someone out. I know rationally that it's not a big deal and that like the absolute worst thing that could happen is mocking rejection, but I think what really keeps me from going for it is that they'll say yes and then I have to build a relationship which leaves me incredibly vulnerable.
I'm a guy btw
>>18389638
stop being a pussy
don't date whores or superficial people / date nice and honest girls
acknowledge red flags when you see them
nothing risked nothing gained
Say fuck it and just get used to being alone. It's really not that bad if you stop being a bitch about it.
You'll be dead eventually, anyway.
Listen to The Wall a few times
Well, this was about as helpful as I thought it would be
well you already know your problem is because you'll have to make yourself vulnerable. so it becomes a trust thing, you need to learn to trust that people aren't going to hurt you. it helps if you get down a system of dealing with that stuff when it does happen so you don't have that fear of "well if that happens I know it's going to be like a year before I get over it". bring down the stakes. if the risk of being vulnerable is being a blithering mess for years you'll never do it. you need to get control of yourself and handle that so that you're more comfortable with what you're risking. then, make sure you put that trust in trustworthy people.
>>18389770
>if you get down a system of dealing with that stuff when it does happen
What kind of system? Like what does a more normal person go through when things don't work out?