19 year old hermit

You are setting unrealistic expectations for yourself. As a result, you are guaranteed to fail those expectations. Because you realize this at some level, you are unwilling to take risks and move forward. This is a viscous cycle that will end in you being a loner and social outcast--unless you break that cycle.

You are born with the genes that you carry; you have no choice about that, so you shouldn't get upset about it. There is no point in fussing over those things that you have no control over.

But, as you've noticed, you do have some control over your appearance, your grooming, your weight, you clothing, etc. Knowledge of fashion is a big plus, especially when relating to women. But don't overdo it; if it's extreme, you can end up looking like a freak.

As for your basic physical appearance, realize that being average looking is perfectly fine, in order to be successful. You don't need to look like a model unless you want to be movie star. You can attract most girls with your average looks, including very attractive girls. That's because girls are much more interested in things like personality, demeanor, confidence, tone of voice, etc.

You also need to realize that is perfectly normal to be hurt and even traumatized by embarrassing social situations. But, you need to get over that. Every time you get hurt, you need to figure out what went wrong, take corrective action, and try again. If you get embarrassed repeatedly, it won't feel as bad, after a while.

Since you've been in this hermit stage for so long, you're going to need to take small steps to get out of it. You can't run before you can walk. Go out and start interacting with people. Start with sales clerks in shopping malls. Have brief conversations about clothing and fashion (your comfort zone), and then progressively work outward from that.

Good luck!

I'm 18, almost 19 and i am completely the same great to know there are others like me. i thought of joining the army to give me direction in life but i think i just need to travel and see the world (same goes for you :-)
"I'm going nowhere in my life, but I'd rather waste my life away doing nothing than risk repeating............" Do not join the army it's not the solution, you might not even have to get job or work for anyone if your smart enough, of course this really depends on your perception of the law or should i say deception..............:-) what country do you live in?

amassed knowledge????
i do the same but with more aggressive ideas in mind,Electronics,how cyber crime works,Cryptographic techniques, physical health,buying and selling online (i now have a small online business)remember that your time isnt wasted if you have leant something. my email address is in my profile if you need help with anything.

I used to be like you until I realized there's absolutely nothing wrong with just trying my best and if it doesn't work out then that's that. Chances are you will never be exceptionally smart or attractive or athletic or talented. But every person on this planet has a right to live, grow, and prosper.

I too am a 19 year old hermit. Don't sweat it!

all we have to fear is fear itself. get out there, anyone doesn't like you, they're not worth the time or worry. models aren't real people. beauty is subjective. regardless of your past, you determine your future. besides, you'll go crazy all alone for too long =/

I used to be this way, and i actualy dropped out of school too. But i realized that i was wasting my potential, took up online classes, and started small by getting a job at a drug store. From there, i was able to make some friends, which branched out into more socializing. I am now in an amazing relationship, and will start nursing school after i give birth and settle into motherhood. Now, i feel just as normal as the next person. Just push yourself, you'll be thankful you did.

Wow - you are completely self absorbed - so much so there is no room for anyone in your life. Hope its working for you.

Two points:

"I fear that I would be made fun of due to the current state of the economy and whatnot"

Er, what? If you were say, an investment banker that might make some sense, but otherwise...?

"I have amassed incredible knowledge in many subjects, including appearance and fashion"

Wow, those 2 years weren't wasted at all!

Wow, I can relate to setting ridiculously high standards for my own appearance, comparing myself to the most attractive people in the world, and not wanting to let people see me until I am a "10/10."

I have to work on accepting myself - I can only change myself if I first accept myself. If I don't, then I'll never get anywhere.

Sounds like you are your own worst enemy. Don't let that head of yours run too much. You can't think yourself out of this situation, you need to take action. Write down the things you think a person who loves himself would do, then do those things. If you start taking action and working towards a goal you'll start to feel better. Maybe get your GED and go to junior college.

You know, you're really lucky you're a man because women don't base their attraction on looks nearly as much as men do. For women, it's more about style and personality, and those are things you can change & improve! The most attractive thing to women is confidence - no matter how you look physically, if you have confidence you can get hot women. Confidence literally means "with faith," to increase your amount of faith (vs. fear) you need to take some action and some risks, to accumulate the amount of positive beliefs you have based on positive experiences - like times you talk to a woman and you get a smile, etc. I recommend checking out some David D stuff like Deep Inner Game or Advanced Dating Techniques.

Hope this helps, and just know that you're not alone. And why would you rather join the army or waste your life doing nothing than risk having bad social experiences?? You know no matter what happens in a social scenario, it won't kill you - but being in the army can kill you, or give you PTSD. And you will regret that you never tried if you end up wasting your life. The only thing you have to fear is fear itself and the bullshit that comes out of your own mind. You're an awesome dude! Just realize it.