text: i want to go out and socialize and date, but i don't know where to start.? i was the kind of kid who got picked on in grade school and high school, called ugly and didn't go to the prom.  now i'm 26 and pretty successful.  my sister and her friends tell me that i'm not the same guy i was 8-10 years ago.  the acne is gone and i've gone from fat to muscular.  they say i'm actually very attractive now.  sometimes i see it sometimes, usually i don't, especially when i go out with friends and i'm surrounded by people i don't know.   i dropped out of college to start my own business, so i didn't get any social interaction there.  and ever since i have just been immersed in my business.    i want to go out and socialize and date, but i don't know where to start, and i'm pretty scared.  i have little experience dating and think that most women would find that very strange and find me awkward.    any advice is appreciated the reason why i think that you are so afraid to go out, has something to do with your childhood, you don't know if the same thing will happen or if you'll get rejected, but don't think like that; if you are successful and good looking, and you are proud of yourself, then you should regain your confidence and forget what people say. people are going to be cruel no matter what, but you know what, tell them "i bet i'm doin better than you are b**ch!" and move on...