I think that overall, I was afraid to make connections with people. Maybe you feel the same way, underneath it all. I'm getting over it now as I've learned how to make and maintain friendships with people and also how to network with a wider social circle.

I don't have a problem making friends at all, I don't think I will ever run out of those. It is almost finding the courage to date someone I know as a friend. I don't want to lose a friend again (dated a friend a while back, it ended so badly. We don't speak at all anymore) and I don't want to ruin that again by asking them if they want to go out somewhere.

Do you necessarily have to be friends before dating them though?

No, not at all. I'd much prefer to date someone who wasn't my friend first but how the **** do I meet someone I don't know, except for floating about? :laughing:

Meet people through people. Your current friends are bound to have a web of connections with attractive young men you've never met before.

Well, I know it's hard to make the first move... But if you fancy a guy, maybe just go up and start a conversation with him and see if it goes well. After several conversations just ask him out? Dating is about making possible introductions; might work might not. I wouldn't think about relationships while dating. Just focus on finding out more about the guy. Give it a go, no harm in trying, and if he says no... well, he's not worth your awesome time. =D

When I hooked up with my wife, we moved in together after about half a year. None of us really gave it much thought, it just seemed like the natural thing to do.

I don't think there's much point in thinking about whether or not you're gonna want to move in with someone until you're actually in a situation where that has become relevant. For the same reasons, if you don't want a boyfriend, then don't worry about boyfriends. With a bit of luck, in time your heart will tell you all you need to know about those sort of decisions anyways so you can let your mind tackle other problems.

Fixed.

What do you think about girls and guys being friends then?

As long as the cute ones wear slutty clothing & the ugly ones know how to get drunk it's all good.