Hi. First, here's the situation: I'm 28 years old, and recovering from severe social anxiety (aggravated by hearing loss) as well as depression which started around age 17. For quite some time it kept me totally isolated. I've been getting treatment for several years now, and I've gone from NEVER leaving the house to working full time while going to school part time, earning some technical cert (no degree yet, though ), and volunteering on weekends (plus, I got hearing aids. Yay!). On a personal level, I feel I've made a lot of progress; the silver lining of this sort of thing is that you learn good things, like compassion for others and emotional coping skills, by necessity. I think I'm at the point where I'm ready to start dating.
Thing is, I'm still living with my parents, and I've been working in the family business, as I've been unable to find a job in the field I've been training in (I started looking right when the financial crash hit. Lousy timing!)
I like to think I've got things to offer as a person, but I probably come off at first glance as sort of a slacker. There's nothing I'd like better than to be totally independent, but housing is expensive and jobs are few. Not only that, but I can't help but think that any woman I meet is going to wonder what the hell is wrong with me that I haven't dated at all or done anything with my life until now. I'm starting to feel rather hopeless already, and I'm not sure what to do about it.
I understand the importance of working on yourself until you're ready to share your life with someone, but damnit, I've been waiting and working for quite awhile, and I'm starting to get down on myself. Any thoughts on whether my situation is a deal-breaker?
I'd appreciate any input you can offer. Thanks for your time!