Good day.
As a heart exploration coach, I believe that learning is the key to personal growth and development.
From your description, I can discern a number of concerns, including doubts, struggles, contradictions, pain, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
I will not delve into the specifics of the challenges you have faced due to feelings of embarrassment about dating. However, I would like to offer three pieces of advice for your consideration:
First, I suggest you inquire as to when you first began to view the prospect of forming a partnership as a source of shame, and what circumstances led to this perception.
You have indicated that you have recently graduated from college, that you have been pursued by others previously, and that you would reject any romantic interest, even if you subsequently regretted it. Despite this, you feel that there is an invisible force holding you back from pursuing romantic relationships with the opposite sex, which you perceive as something that is not permitted.
Did you observe a colleague being censured by a superior for engaging in a romantic relationship with someone of the opposite sex, which prompted you to avoid such interactions? Or were you advised by a family member to refrain from pursuing a romantic relationship with someone of the opposite sex? Or did you witness a successful marriage that ended in divorce, which led you to doubt the possibility of enduring love? In short, you need to identify the underlying reasons for these beliefs and understand why you associate falling in love with shame.
It is only by understanding the reasons behind these issues that we can begin to break free from the status quo.
Secondly, it would be beneficial to consider the reasons you have identified in a logical manner.
A rational perspective can assist in gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and the reality of the situation.
To achieve a rational perspective, it is essential to undertake the following two steps:
First, recognize that the current version of yourself is distinct from your former self and also differs from how you perceive other individuals.
If the reason you found is related to your past experiences and the people and things you have seen, then you need to understand that your current self is different from your past self, and that your experiences with others are also different, because you have grown up, learned more, and have more life experience. It is likely that you can deal with the shame in your heart, and that you are also likely to face the various negative views of others towards you.
There is also an issue that requires attention. The thoughts you are experiencing are likely just your imagination, and they may not be an accurate reflection of reality, as there is often a discrepancy between thoughts and reality.
Additionally, it is important to adopt a developmental perspective when evaluating your own performance. It is likely that you do not yet have the level of confidence that you would like to have. However, it is important to understand that you have significant potential for growth and improvement.
Secondly, it is important to recognise that the desire to love and be loved is one of the fundamental needs of human beings and that it cannot be ignored.
As you indicated in your description, you are not entirely indifferent to the prospect of a fulfilling romantic relationship. It is challenging for you to avoid feelings of guilt by avoiding intimacy because your instinctual needs are not easily ignored.
You have indicated that you believe that having a good job, a decent income, and parents who are healthy is of greater importance than love. This is a valid opinion, as the decision to be in a relationship is ultimately a matter of personal choice. However, it is important to recognize that making rational and objective choices requires a clear understanding of the facts. It seems that you have not yet had the opportunity to gain this understanding. It would be beneficial for you to learn to assess your own situation in a logical manner.
A rational assessment of the situation may help to resolve some of the negative emotions you are experiencing.
I reiterate my recommendation that you focus on yourself and consider how you can improve your situation.
Once you have identified the reasons for your decision, you will be in a position to take action. At this juncture, it is important to focus on your own performance and strive for excellence.
As an example, you can attempt to initiate contact with the opposite sex. This may entail allowing yourself to approach them, or taking the initiative to show interest in a particular individual. Following this, you could arrange to have dinner with the other person, and then spend time alone with them to assess the situation. Once you feel comfortable, you can introduce them to your parents or other family members. This process can be viewed as a form of systematic desensitization.
Following this course of action, you may find that others refrain from making negative comments or accusations, which in turn may help to reduce feelings of shame and enhance your sense of personal strength.
Additionally, when you attempt to foster a positive relationship with someone you are interested in and who has expressed interest in you, you may find that genuine love is a possibility. Over time, you will begin to recognize the value of love in your life. It is important to understand that you have the ability to influence the current situation.
Once action is initiated, the various negative emotions will gradually dissipate. In this context, action serves as an effective antidote to negative emotions.
Naturally, after attempting to form an intimate relationship and learning to love, one may find that living alone is preferable. At this juncture, one can also opt not to be in a relationship. However, at that time, one will not have as many conflicts and contradictions in one's heart, as one has essentially come to know the truth and made a relatively rational and objective choice.
I hope this response is helpful to you. If you would like to discuss further, you may click "Find a Coach" at the bottom of the page, which will allow us to communicate directly.
Comments
I can totally relate to feeling pressured by family after graduation. It's tough when you're trying to figure out your own path and everyone else has different expectations. Maybe it's time to have an open conversation with them about what you want for yourself, and that love isn't the only priority right now.
It sounds like you've been really hard on yourself, but it's okay to take things at your own pace. Not everyone is ready for relationships at the same time, and there's no rush. Focus on what makes you happy and comfortable, and don't let societal pressures dictate your choices. You deserve to be true to yourself.
Reflecting on your feelings, it seems like you might benefit from exploring why you feel so hesitant about relationships. Perhaps talking to a counselor or therapist could help you understand these emotions better. It's important to address any underlying issues so you can approach future opportunities with more confidence and less regret.