MissConstrue wrote:
I think I've grown accustom to this lifestyle that the thought of having to get out of my shell scares the bejeezus out of me.
This has been a problem for me, as well. Friends of mine drive me crazy telling me I have to go out and do things... Join groups, sports teams, etc. I like staying home. They just don't get that. But they have a point in that guys aren't going to just start knocking on my door
Again, relationships are not a huge priority, though. (Until I'm in one).
MissConstrue wrote:
It's even harder with the opposite sex since of course they're going to go for the girl that's the eye candy and has an upbeat personality. I'm neither of those and I can't even begin to pretend. Maybe for a while but then it becomes too much and in my experience, when they see my true colors, it's a hit and miss.
When I was younger I would try to be outgoing and upbeat, etc, and it was obviously considered attractive to others. Problem is, it usually wore off, and then I was feeling even more introverted, to make up for the excess socializing I had engaged in. I found (even with friends) that people would be very drawn to me initially, like I had put them under some charismatic trance, but within a couple of weeks, they'd lose interest.
For years now, I've just been exactly who I am, oddities and all (wear them on my sleeve, in fact) whenever I meet new people. I figure they'll likely be put off by me, but better that happens up front, than after I've gotten attached/hopeful. And when they aren't put off, it indicates to me that the friendship is more likely worth the risk/effort on my part