I feel like I’m exhausting my options. I meet people out in the world confidently, attract them, get them excited for a date.
But then on the date, I go into a “need to make this go well” mode. I am awkward, my wits aren’t about me, I don’t really let loose, and it feels more like a task I’m completing and trying to succeed at rather than a fun experience. Frankly, I just can’t seem to be myself around strangers in a 1-on-1 intimate scenario, and I feel like I’ve already blundered all the best potential matches.
I don’t know what to do. What is the point in dating if I know I can’t actually make a good impression?
Also, I’m gay so developing an organic friendship out in the world and then it turning into something else is not really an option.