Is it normal that i am 22 and have never had a real friend or gf?
We as humans are social beings. But I myself have a lot of trouble being social. I was brought up to be a good kid; I am a kind, genuine, helpful person.
Unfortunately I am very shy, not very open with my feelings, more of a listener, an introvert (not by choice), and have become a loner (also not by choice).
I have "friends" at school and at work and on facebook. But they are limited that. I've never had a friend over to my house, I've only been invited over to a friend's house a couple times. I don't have anyone to call on the phone when I want to just chat or let my feelings out.
I am a little bit religious, and my upbringing has made me feel that the activities that people indulge in at my age are wrong. For those reasons I don't drink, party, or club. But these are things that people my age do to socialize, there aren't many other ways to socialize at all. I don't have anything against other people drinking or partying, but it's just not my thing.
The only time I've only hung out was just studying with classmates over the weekend and grabbing a bite to eat with them, or school and work functions. I never get tagged on facebook because there are no pictures of me to tag.
As for girlfriends I have never had one. I'll be honest, I am not a good looking guy. There isnt much I can do to change that, I'm a very awkward looking guy and always will be. I do dress well though. But girls never flirt or show any feelings towards me. I have never asked a girl out, since I am sure the answer will be no.
The worst part about having no friends is that you feel so isolated. I hate eating lunch alone in a cafeteria, it feels so bad. If you look at my facial expression, it is permanently in a sad mode, even if I'm happy, I look sad. People are quick to ask me about that. I just say I'm tired.
So people, is this normal? I highly doubt it. Could you please offer me tips to drastically change my personality. I've recently moved to a new university so I think I might be able to make a fresh start, but I find it hard to change my personality. Please help.