Hi! I hope you're doing well! c:
I just wanted to let you know that I understand how you feel. I'm 21 and I've yet to experience anything sexual with anyone and I also understand how your confidence and self esteem plays a part in your experience.
I also have a hard time trying to accept compliments from people. Sometimes I just don't believe they're telling the truth.
I'm a female and sometimes it makes me have similar feelings and thoughts you have. I've also minimised my social media time as I've felt it didn't benefit me and mental health.
as a person who's somewhat in the same boat as you, I've been taking it slow and trying not to rush into things. I've been working on myself and that helps a lot with my confidence and self esteem issues. If you're wondering what I do, I workout and try to go for a walk everyday to shake off any unwanted or lingering thoughts I may have about myself, I journal, have something, whether it be music or a video/show/movie playing in the background while I do tasks. These are just some things I do that make me feel a little better mentally. Especially on days where I have low self esteem.
but of course, some days are harder than others. Those are the kind of days where you'd want to treat yourself with kindness even if you find it difficult.
don't let people shame you or make you feel belittled or any less than just because you haven't experienced something that a lot of people seem to praise about on social media. Sure it seems nice to have that intimate connection with someone but take your time.
I haven't had my 'first kiss' yet which sounds...almost pathetic to say since I'm 21 lol but I just want to let you know I get how you feel and that's where I begin to have thoughts like 'am I unattractive?'
Despite all this, I also have social anxiety and I'm pretty shy so I guess that plays a part in my own experience and why I feel the way I do.
i don't mean to make it all about me, i just wanna let you know that I can relate to how you feel and though our situations might be a little different, I hope you feel a little better knowing that at least someone or some people can relate to how you feel. Don't let your friends shame or pressure you because of your experience. It's your own and there's no rush c:
I hope this makes you feel better! And thanks for sharing! Sorry I couldn't offer more advice, but hey, at least you know some stranger from afar is supporting you and can relate to how you feel! c:
