How do you meet people when your in the closet and don’t have a social life anyway?

[dougismydog]

So… I’m new here. Hi.
im 29, a I missed socialising when I was 14-20 and I’ve been stuck in a social rut for a long time now. More and more I’ve been realising how lonely I actually am and how much I wish to find a partner. But how? I don’t want to put my face on and dating sites incase someone I know sees it and I don’t go out and socialise. Please help.

[Ggrand]

Hello dougismydog,

A very warm welcome to our forums...

I am so sorry your feeling lonely, feeling lonely is something that I also struggle with quite a lot....

Have you any interests that you like doing, that maybe you could join a group to make some friends that are likeminded in the way of your likes....Getting to know different people may lead to getting to know more people later on....I know it’s hard...and I honestly wish I had some wise words of wisdom to help you...

I do understand about having your photo on a public website and I know that I couldn’t do that either....

Talk here anytime you feel up to it...I’m sure other members will pop in and offer you some suggestions that you could try....

My kindest thoughts and wishes for you dougismydog...

Grandy..

[HappyHelper88]

Hello Thanks for sharing

im sorry for what your going through and i understand you dont want to put your face online which can be quite daunting and with covid it is also hard as not many people are going out and socializing
Have you ever thought about making a dating profile without pictures and write in the caption that you will provide photos when you match with someone and that way you can be selective

I hope this helps

[Banksy92]

Hi dougismydog,

Welcome to the forums, it's a really positive space where people with similar struggles are able to support each other. Thank you for opening up and sharing with us.

You are definitely not alone in how you have been feeling. Loneliness is an awful thing and with everyone going on in the world lately, we're all craving more connection. May I ask, have you got any close friends or family in your life you are connected with right now? Even if it's just via social media. I wonder if you would start small, just inviting someone for a coffee or a walk to start reconnecting a bit more.

Often small steps can go a long way. Maybe focus on building these relationships as a beginning and see where that takes you.

Common interest groups are also a great suggestion. It might be a book club, workout group, art class or even volunteering for community events/fundraisers to help introduce you to likeminded people.

Are any of these options available to you?

[-headintheclouds-]

Hi dougismydog,

Welcome to the forum, I'm a little late to this thread haha.

Online spaces and specific Facebook groups can be great for keeping your anonymity until you're comfortable going to in-person meet-ups. In terms of dating, there are queer-specific dating apps (Taimi, Her), otherwise, almost all dating apps have the gender preference option to limit who you see, and if you're spotted by someone you know, the option to say "oops didn't realise" is always there.

If you're interested in finding other LGBTQIA+ people, there are many hobby and peer groups throughout Australia and online, a quick google search is sure to turn up a few 🙂

Hope this helps

- TC (She/They)