Social anxiety and dating?

Do those of you with social anxiety/shyness feel it's better to date someone who is also shy or to try and date a "normal" person?





To clarify, what I'm talking about is not a condition of "I'm a little shy at first" but rather something that severely impacts your life in many ways. I myself am 32 and have never even attempted to ask a girl on a date because of social anxiety and low self-esteem. I'm kind of panicking now because I feel like I'm running out of time. I want to date very much but don't know if I can and my biggest fear connected to it is dating someone who doesn't understand these types of problems. As a rule, people (not just women) don't like shy people and when you add a complete lack of experience at my age my situation looks almost hopeless.





Has anyone with similar problems found it easier to date someone who has the same problems as you or is it healthier to put yourself out and try to date someone who doesn't have such hangups?

Social anxiety and dating?
First off - don't think so much into it! You'll go through trial and error with men or women just like every other person does. There are people out there who are very understanding and others who are narrow minded and judgemental. I was in a situation a couple of years ago where I would have panic attacks while driving and around people in new places I would get really uncomfortable. That happened out of no where and for no reason! I ended up dating a guy not long after that, who I'm still with today. He doesn't share the exact same problems I have, but he does have a bit of anxiety and was able to understand how I felt. In the end it really just depends on what type of person you end up with and how open they are to being different. Good luck!
Reply:Almost everyone has some type of social anxiety or awkwardness at some time in their life. You should find someone who is shy and who would understand you better. Maybe have friends or family set you up with someone like yourself. And stop feeling like you are running out of time. If you keep that mindset you will come off very desperate and might ruin your chances.
Reply:I am a very shy person. My husband, on the other hand, is very outgoing and will talk to anybody. It seems to get me out of some of my shyness. Remember the old saying, "opposites attract?" I believe they really do. So, I think you should most definatly find a girl who is outgoing and loves to talk. Then, you will have a lot to talk about. Best of luck and best wishes.
Reply:I think if you have social anxiety, which i do, i always feel better dating someone who is the opposite if me and very social b/c it makes me be more social