grapevine50
New member
Hello, I'm a straight male, early 30s in the UK. I've been in a monogamous relationship for well over 10 years with my wife who I love and is my best friend. I also have pretty bad social anxiety which I'm going to therapy for but it takes a while. Recently my wife brought up that she would like to try polyamory and I couldn't be happier. I've wanted to be polyamorous for a very long time, but didn't quite know how to bring it up, and as we've spoken more about it it's brought us closer together and made us realise we have an amazing relationship.
I realise though that I've "hidden" behind monogamy because meeting people is so incredibly difficult for me, especially for romantic relationships or sex. I think being mono for so long has had its problems too. I really want to meet another partner so we can explore our sexual side together, but I don't know how I can do this.
I want to take things slow and get to know someone first, and as we are all locked down I thought now is a good time to meet and start messaging, and at most maybe go on a socially distanced walk. I tried online dating on a few apps including OKC but found the experience awful. It poked at my insecurities and it feels like I'm creating this false avatar to try and get people to like me, kind of like a puppy dancing for treats, which is something I really hate. Ironically, I think I'd fair way better meeting in person being myself but this isn't possible with the pandemic.
Is there anyone else who has social anxiety but manages to successfully meet others? How do you do it? Is there a better way of meeting people or making use of dating apps? Is there any advice for polyamory and social anxiety? I haven't found much online.
I realise though that I've "hidden" behind monogamy because meeting people is so incredibly difficult for me, especially for romantic relationships or sex. I think being mono for so long has had its problems too. I really want to meet another partner so we can explore our sexual side together, but I don't know how I can do this.
I want to take things slow and get to know someone first, and as we are all locked down I thought now is a good time to meet and start messaging, and at most maybe go on a socially distanced walk. I tried online dating on a few apps including OKC but found the experience awful. It poked at my insecurities and it feels like I'm creating this false avatar to try and get people to like me, kind of like a puppy dancing for treats, which is something I really hate. Ironically, I think I'd fair way better meeting in person being myself but this isn't possible with the pandemic.
Is there anyone else who has social anxiety but manages to successfully meet others? How do you do it? Is there a better way of meeting people or making use of dating apps? Is there any advice for polyamory and social anxiety? I haven't found much online.