Years ago I came to terms with the fact that I'm just not a "normal person." (Or woman!)...I accepted that I'll never be every man's "dream woman" or "cup of tea" due to the fact that I'm so "different."...So I stopped competing and entering into "races" for "normal guys." (Since I'm not "normal" myself!)...I accepted that it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack to find a man who would be a good "match" for me!...Eventually I found a "non-normal man" who was a great "match" for me. And we had a happy life together and a 24 year marriage. (Until he passed away. Sad!)...One "size" doesn't really "fit" everyone! We don't "say yes" to every salesperson who comes knocking at our door. Most of us are selective when it comes to deciding what we want to buy. (Or not!) And I feel the same way about relationships...I'd rather "hold-out" and "go without" than settle for a "bad fit" or "match!"

Why some people are afraid or intimidated by rejection? We probably could come up with a million things.
Some people play it safe because they are afraid of rejection. Some people don’t try new things because they are afraid things may not turn out the way they want. Females don’t approach guys because they are afraid of rejection. I am old skool, I think a man supposes to approach a female in public places not the other way around. Dating sites makes it easier for people to communicate or approach opposite sex. Just my opinion.

Tattooeddude81, is it your look? Or any childhood memory? Trauma? What makes you feel so selfconscious? What is the reason behind your anxiety?
From my experience, finding n analysing the reasons wont do much! It is a responce that somehow got programmed in you and you just need to overwrite it ! Medication is not a cure either! Take up yoga n force yourself into situations you don't like. Could we talk more on this?

I simply don't approach anyone anymore. Rejection always damn near happens everytime, so F*** it. Plus, I have social anxiety, so that makes it hard to even approach anyone nowadays. I'm trying to tell myself I'll die alone, I'm almost halfway there.

What are you, a doctor? Let him handle it the best way he knows how. I'm sure you mean well, but you don't know him or his circumstances. Some people do have extreme anxiety and sometimes it is best treated with medication. In other circumstances, behavioral change or analysis may be what's required. You have to know the personal circumstances.

As someone who also has a form of social anxiety, I can tell you that simply forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations isn't the solution. You have to know WHAT to do when you're there.