Lee,

You see that you have a problem - there's only one way to effect the changes they have to start in you. You have to decide if you want to stay in your shell alone forever OR if you want to risk possibly getting shot down for the chance to have a relationship.

You said girls in the past told you they liked you but they were obviously kidding? Why were they obviously kidding because you don't believe that they COULD like you? You may have missed some opportunities there because you could not see what was right in front of your face.

The simpliest way I can sum it up is this - - you need to have a little faith in yourself because if you can't have faith in you, how can you ask someone else to put their faith in you?

ASK HER OUT - for coffee, tea, dinner, whatever. What's the worst thing that could happen? She could say no and then she leaves for Australia for months, by the time she comes back the awkwardness of the moment would be forgotten. She could say yes and then you could start getting out of this funk that you are in!

Good Luck!
Jules

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I think the mistake a lot of us make is thinking the state-appointed shrink is our friend. - Jack Handy