That's funny...

Most of the commentaries here are from men, but as I woman, I have to say it's more than just the looks thing. Like someone else noted, this fear of dating may be expressed in your reactions and body language. As a woman, I also know sometimes women use their bodies as a weapon in relationships, which is just goofy.

If you just said you were afraid of being hurt, I can understand---I am afraid of ending up with a wacko narcissist again myself!
You seem to hyper-focus on the looks issue. Someone who is hyper-focused on their looks isn't paying attention to the person they are with.

Get over your looks and just "be" with someone.

I will attempt to be as gentle as possible, and hopefully helpful.

a.) You, at any age, and any physical condition are perfectly capable and actually likely to find someone who is more then willing to appreciate you sincerely. This. Is. A. Fact. A fact gleamed from years of cold unbiased observation. If your finding it hard to meet someone to form a meaningful relationship, well, it's because doing so,... is hard. Peroid. In any context. At any age. You are at no greater or lesser advantage then anyone else.

b) Be fair. You've -never- based your own attraction of someone of the opposite sex solely on physical appearance.....ever.......ever? Hmmmmm? It stinks, but that is part of the game. Point Blank; lack of physcial attractiveness reduces total opportunities for sex. Peroid. The inverse applies to; more attractive more sex. That is simply a fact. (*note that by "attractive", I dont mean simply in appearance,... but that is another topic...) One must accept it. Cut yourself and others some slack. Either way,... your interested in relationships..... not sex right? So no worries.

b. 1/2) Just because a guy wants to get in your pants does not mean he cannot or is unable to at the same time ALSO appreciate you as a person. A man can do either, or neither, or both. Again, relax. There is no "doing" something to "make" a potentially partner "appreciate the inner you",...... he either does,.... or does not. You CANNOT control that.

c) In conclusion; The solution is simply to be open and receptive,... in particular to guys who make and effort OF THEIR OWN to show how they appreciate you. And yes. There ARE guys like that. Several thousand MILLIONS to be precise. The greater the pool of social contact you have access to in your daily life, the greater the chance of finding one of the good ones.

Dont fret.

Of all the comments... I like this one best!

To the OP... When the right guy comes along, you feel a mutual attraction and there will be more to the conversation than the local news or what the weather has been or is likely to be, you find each other mutually, spiritually and intellectually attractive... wahoo!

I'm ready for the right woman when I meet her... ready to offer my heart and go the distance if we're both lucky enough to find that in each other. Until then, I have to be ready to put myself out there or to live alone. It's just that simple. Getting hurt or taking risk is completely unavoidable if you hope to find someone to really share the rest of your life with! There are no guarantees, only common sense, healthy self respect and reasonable judgement. If you're honest with yourself... about the person opposite you and about yourself, things become pretty apparent.

Until then... we're all in the same boat and good luck with your journey.... I hope you fare well!