How to approach dating when you’re in your mid 20’s and have 0 experience? Was anyone here a late bloomer?

Go to Reddit. There are a million questions like this.

OP, it may not be easy. But you absolutely CAN meet someone like it happens in the movies. You just have to talk to people.

If you see a man who interests you, just start with hello. That’s it. Hello.

I understand you’re shy. Many of us are. But there is nothing to fear. The worst that can happen is he isn’t interested. But you won’t have lost a thing because you didn’t have him to start with. And you might just make someone’s day, no matter how it turns out.

R1 Reddit tends to attract the creeps

R2 Thanks I appreciate it. A few years ago I did actually have a lot of chemistry with this guy at work and heard rumors about him possibly liking me and I did try to ask him if there was any truth to it and had a long convo with him, but he didn’t really give me a straight answer and ended up ghosting me later on. I guess I’m just afraid of rejection even tho I understand it’s natural in life. I do hope you’re right and that I can meet someone one day, regardless of my lack of experience. I definitely need to get used to talking people more.

Yeah, try to avoid Reddit and the dating apps, OP. I like R2's response--simple and sensible. Put yourself out there; there are genuine guys out there among all the robots, and they're looking for someone like you.

R5 Thanks, I hope you’re right.

Try 62

OP, Did u just fall off the turnip truck ?

R8 No

Grow a fucking backbone OP and get on with it. In your 20s it's dating apps for your age group. Learn to navigate them. This is the best you're ever going to look so don't waste this time.

The movies aren't reality - they are complete fantasy.

Sorry to be harsh.

When I was 20 I hooked up, kept hooking up with the same guy then we turned into boyfriends. Does it no longer work that way for today's youth?

Yes it still works exactly that way these days R11.

What does 20 possess?

OP, do what people did in the olden days. Join a class or club that is specifically for gays or has typically gay interests. A gay choir or dance class, or even a gay walking or sports group, a gay foodies group that meets at different restaurants, a cinema course, an art appreciation course, etc. You'll still have to talk to people to get them to date you, but you'll have a much better chance at least that the guy who's taken your eye is gay. If the group meets regularly, you'll have some time to assess anyone who catches your eye before you have to make a move (unlike, say, in a bar). You may also score a gay BFF who can be a wing-man.

If you live in a city, Google these types of groups. There should be quite a few around. You can also find groups with these interests on social media, who have real-life meet-ups at regular intervals.

BTW, telling someone you really like that you're not very experienced and are nervous will be a turn-off for surprisingly few genuine guys. Shy vulnerability is attractive. Anyone who immediately loses interest when told this is only out for a hook-up, and anyone who reacts in a way that makes you more nervous is a red-flag guy.

R10 Maybe they’re nervous because dating apps are associated with hooking up. And by the sound of OP they have no experience.

Work on getting a thicker skin as well.

This is how I picture OP:

OP = fake

Pay for an escort

25 and "too awkward to try dating apps"---------------------FAKE......Every 25 year old grew up with a phone attached to their fucking face. You knew how to type IG at 7 years old. You first word was hashtag.

Askgaybros on Reddit isn’t full of creeps. It’s a bunch of earnest young gays and it’s moderated pretty heavily. There are nonstop questions exactly like this.

I also call fake.

You were like me. Two options. Go where the gays are or use an app.

First long term was 26 years. He passed away. Second is 8 years and counting.

Keep an open mind.

Oh and I was in my late 50s as well.

I need more information to answer and validate this request. Is this really about dating or is it about losing your virginity? They're two very different endeavors. And what exactly kept you from all this during high school or college, when we normally start our sex lives?

OP, gays don’t date.

Their loss.

Yes they do, dumbass R24.

Present hole and see what sticks.

It's a numbers game, forget dating and just talk to people. Dress and smell nicely and look fuckable. Carry a book or a frisbee or something that expresses your personality. It gives the other person an opening. Go on Sniffies and see the nice park where the gays hang out. Make a goal to talk to 5 people male/female old, whatever, people with dogs. Be prepared to deliver compliments, "I love the collar", "That's a fabulous scarf" Carry some puppy treats other people will see you as friendly to everyone and be more likely to talk to you. Buy a cold 6 pack and give out a few beers or sodas to cute guys or the park employees. For a couple of bucks you can make someone's day and other people will notice you.

Make sure to wave your hand in the air and trill, "Yoo hoo! Mister Man!" when you lift your caftan and present hole.

R28 the OP says he's awkward and shy. How do you propose he gets past that to be able to do all that? I suppose it's a mental issue.

Shyness can be overcome. Ask these guys.

Kind of a cliche, but if you have an interest/hobby/cause/spiritual leaning, you can circulate within those groups and perhaps find someone. It's not a sure bet, but it helps sift out most of the creeps: You have a chance to see them in person and interact with them, maybe, before moving on to romance. Good luck.

OP, maybe try to improve your social skills overall. Don't add the expectations of dating on top of that. Learn to be friendly and more approachable in a low stakes setting while making friends, and build your confidence.

Do that for a year or so and you'll likely just attract someone who's interested in getting to know you. But it takes time, and work.

I’m wondering the same