Hi everyone,
I'm making this post after writing another one a while ago where I expressed serious doubts about my ability to meet women after turning 25, and eventually get into a relationship.
My perspective has changed a bit since then. Recently, I had the opportunity to leave home for a few months thanks to a volunteer position at an aviation center, where I get to fly aircraft while continuing my search for an airline job. I'm French, so this also meant moving to a completely new environment. The atmosphere is young, and there are quite a few women around my age.
To keep it simple, I'm one of the people who brings energy to the group. People see me as funny, sarcastic, easy-going, and they often find my background pretty impressive or unusual. Overall, I'm well-liked by everyone, including the women.
But here's the thing. I can clearly see that I'm the perfect friend.
When a woman is just a friend, everything goes great. But whenever I actually like someone, it never seems to end any other way than the friend zone.
The example I'm thinking of is a woman I became really close to. I genuinely felt there was a connection between us that went a little beyond what she had with everyone else. Not wanting to miss a potential opportunity, I decided to be honest. I told her that I really enjoyed all the time we spent together, that I liked her, and that I'd love to take her out for a drink.
Friendzoned immediately.
Today, our relationship is almost exactly the same as before. She's still very close to me, laughs at my jokes, often comes to talk to me... and honestly, I'm completely confused.
I'm not saying she "led me on" or owed me anything. I'm simply trying to understand what makes a relationship stay in the friendship category instead of becoming something more.
More than anything, I feel like I missed out on an amazing woman, someone I'd never felt this close to before. And if, even in a situation like this, asking someone out for a simple drink is already "too much," then my doubts come back. How is a relationship supposed to start for someone my age if this isn't how it happens?
I'm 26 years old. I've never had any sexual experience, never even kissed anyone. Yet I'm sociable, well-liked, ambitious, passionate, I make friends easily, and I don't feel like I struggle to connect with people.
My question may be a bit vague, but if anyone has been through something similar, or has any advice or personal experience to share, I'd really appreciate it.
