Since I (24M) downloaded dating apps again in late June and began paying for Tinder Platinum and Hinge Premium, I have had about 60 matches and 1 date, which was coffee yesterday afternoon.

Since I downloaded them, I also began going to the gym, drinking protein shakes (I'm 5'10" 150lb), getting new glasses and more/different and better fitting clothes. I'm unemployed because of the pandemic, and because of this deadbeat status I've become more aggressive in my search for an engineering position.

In real life however, I haven't seen much success in a month, no "choosing signals", or anything of this sort. I still lack the confidence needed to be successful because I've never kissed any women, never had sex, anything. I'm bold enough to hold a girl's hand or hug her though... which is what I did yesterday.

I guess I'm wondering how I can maintain a balance here. I'm always concerned about my self worth and ambition. My dating app pictures are good, but not great, hence the thousands and thousands of swipes and likes with very little to show for it. But I still want to say I'm doing all of this improvement for me, not to attract women.