Currently, I am facing a terrifying prospect: online dating.

To be frank, I have not dated someone in years, and I’m riddled with anxiety at the prospect. I’m a very socially awkward person upon first meeting, and I am bad at reading others’ social cues.

Furthermore, I am very critical of my looks, and obviously various apps require a photo. I have this horrible vision of going on a date, and the other person being completely repulsed by how I look. But the alternative is much worse, even though I know there’s no guarantee that I’ll actually find someone compatible or have kids. I feel exhausted and anxious and like life has passed me by.