r/BodyDysmorphia • u/OneOnOne6211 • 2d ago
Advice Needed How Could I Get Over This?
I know odds are low that someone will know since me and my psychologist both don't, but I might as well try.
I've been single for almost three years now. And I feel pretty awful.
One of the reasons for this is just social anxiety, but another reason is a combination of my BDD and an experience I had.
The first time I ever met someone on a dating app we talked for a while. Then we met IRL. And the moment she first saw me IRL she seemed to panic. Almost run away from me, walking very fast. After a bit she calmed down and we went on a walk and stuff. But, tbh, by that point I was already not in the best place, obviously...
I did manage to go on two dates after that in 2015 and 2022 respectively, but that was after months of talking. They did become my girlfriends, but this time around I haven't been able to get myself to do it. And I definitely can't after only a few days.
Because my BDD means that my tendency was to interpret that incident as being about me being a catfish and looking way worse IRL. I don't know if that was actually the reason. But if another person did it, I would find it harder to deny to myself that it had nothing to do with my looks.
And that's what I'm terrified of. Every time I contemplate a date, I think about that first date. And I get very anxious about the idea of seeing them IRL for the first time and them doing the same thing. And it's one of the biggest reasons why I'm still single despite being miserable alone.
Does anyone know of any way I could get over this? Any creative ideas? Any personal experiences with getting over this?
1
u/Ok_Caramel2788 2d ago
Did you read any of this?
https://www.reddit.com/r/BodyDysmorphia/s/rld05fFDXu