NOT Dating?

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On dates, I seem to be indifferent, i won't keep eye contact - I freeze up and don't say much... I make no moves. Usually I come off well, if for any reason the relationship goes beyond that we tend to become close friends and get together...

When that happens it seems like the onset of constant and unforgiving relationship-related emotions makes me dazed beyond repair and either angry or crabby all the time (even if i know I shouldn't be).

So to spare the girls my sorry ass I'm considering picking up a general clause of "not dating". This because I have constant anxiety that I can control - if I stay away from people who cause it. But it seems to be alleviated by meds - but i've gone that route and by all means my sleep is disrupted and I become more aggressive/irritated. Not exactly in a bad way (the sleep part yes)... but I just become someone I'm not. And I enjoy my sleep....

So is not dating the trade off for not medicating, or is there another way around this? My main problem is I just don't believe I can become what is needed of me to withstand the pressures of a relationship (if that makes sense)... Anyways - if you've read this far then thanks - and good night.

NUTSHELL: Start as friends and go out as a group with other friends (if that is at all possible). If not, take the meds until you've been dating the person long enough to become comfortable and then drop the meds. You'll have the best of both worlds.

In Depth:
While I met with success in the working world by being something I am not, it is pretty much impossible to do the same in the relationship world. You can't maintain your front for that long. I absolutely agree with you: You can't "become what is needed" to withstand the pressures of a relationship. You have to be yourself here eventually. Just let the "weird" out a little bit at a time over your first dates and not all at once!

The Long-Term Girl / The Smart Girl
I would recommend assessing also what kind of girls you are dating or attracted to. You need someone you can become comfortable with quickly. Very smart girls are a true gift. They can understand you and adapt to you quickly. They will find you interesting where others find you odd. If this is impossible to find, a longer-term relationship can yield the same benefits. A partner that understands you and adapts to you over time can be just as supportive.

Everyone has issues. If you think of it as "inflicting yourself" on them, also remember that they have a plethora of things they will be inflicting on you! But it's not so much "mutual inflicting" as it is a partnership where both people cover the others' weaknesses with their strengths. Not good with eye contact? She handles the "in-person" things like going to the DMV. Good with phones and a bit aggressive? You handle calling for disputed bills or travel arrangements.

Ultimately, not dating will deprive you of the experience you really need if you want a life partner. Learn these things while you're young and sexy and can afford to make some mistakes.

I totally agree with Vispera Asperis