I (28f) have been celibate for the past 5 years. Before that I had only had two sexual partners that didn’t lead to anything (basically one night stands). When I hit 25 I had wanted to start dating but unfortunately the pandemic hit and I had family responsibilities that consists of me being my grandmothers full time care taker. I didn’t want to risk my grandmother getting sick and I new that I couldn’t be as present as I wanted to be in a relationship.

In the past few months I talked to my father and I told him that I wanted to start dating in order to one day have a family. In turn he talked to my aunt, who has recently retired, to come and take over as her care taker. Now that she has been taking care of her full time I can start dating. The problem now is that I don’t know how to. The thought of using dating apps is overwhelming and I know plenty of people use the apps for hook ups. How do I start dating? Where should I look for dates? I don’t even have the courage to ask my family members for advice because I feel so embarrassed.