Hey guys. I've been reading this subreddit for a few weeks now, and wanted to make an account/post here once I was sure that this is what I want.
I'll start with a little background about myself: I'm a 20 year old college student. Hopefully finishing my degree in the next two years.
One of the main reasons I want to 'Go My Own Way' is because I am sick and tired of having my self-worth be dependent on the approval of women. It's something I've been struggling with my entire life, and it's a bullshit cycle I want to get out of. However, it's difficult when most of society/the people around you define the measure of a man based on "how much pussy he gets".
There have been two thoughts running around in my head for YEARS and this subreddit is the first place where I have found people who seem to agree.
The first thought:
What's the point of being in a relationship, in a world where "the next best thing" is always right around the corner? With smartphones/the internet, a woman can communicate with as many guys as she wants, WHILE she is dating someone. If that isn't a recipe for disaster, I don't know what is. I've seen enough of my male friends get cheated on by women who claimed to 'love' them.
The second thought:
From an evolutionary perspective: Human's aren't monogamous. So, what the fuck is the point of "marriage" and "being exclusive"? I've always thought of myself as cynical for thinking this way, but there's gotta be some truth in this.
I've had a few sexual experiences since I started college (lost my virginity at 20), but the gratification has always been fleeting. They've never brought me any lasting happiness. I always thought "Well, maybe I should just hold out for a relationship instead". I've begun to realize how toxic that mindset is. I shouldn't need a woman to make me happy.
Two years ago I feel into a really deep bout of depression. I don't even know what to call it. An identity crisis? A quarter life crisis? I don't fucking know. I suffered in silence because I didn't want to be seen as weak. I self medicated with tattoos (Odd choice, I know. But I got some pretty sweet art out of it). A lot of repressed anger and sadness has come out over this time.
- I am angry because I have low self esteem
- I am angry because I don't have a sense of masculinity
- I am angry because I've always wanted to experience 'being in love' but deep down I know it's a load of horse shit
- I am angry because I've spent so much of my life hoping/wishing/wanting to be successful with women, but I'm starting to realize how futile it is.
- I am angry because I wasn't outgoing/social/good looking when I was growing up. I felt rejected.
- I am angry because I don't even feel like a person.
- I am angry because I know that the world doesn't owe me shit and it's taken me this long to figure it out.
I appreciate anyone who has taken the time to read thus far. I want to get my shit together, and I have a plan. I just found out I need to head out and take care of some family issues. So I'm going to update this post with my game plan tomorrow morning and also fix the formatting. I just really needed to get this out.
EDIT Okay, I'm back now. Wow, I'm really overwhelmed by all of the replies. Thank you all for your support. Here is the plan I've got for myself
- Finish up this term at school. I'm so burnt out, and don't even give a shit anymore. But I'm really close to being done.
- I've got ~3-4 months of summer vacation. I'm not going to squander this.
- Start taking cold showers to improve discipline
- Get active: I went for a run a couple of days ago, and I felt amazing afterwards. I want to get in shape/build some muscle as well
- Read. I used to read books all the time while I was growing up, and would love to pick it up as a hobby again. I have a copy of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, I think this will be a great place to start.
- Quit masturbation. I masturbate out of loneliness, and it's a terrible coping mechanism. I've tried NOFAP in the past, but it was because of the so called 'superpowers' it was supposed to give you. Fuck all that. I've done a full 30 days without orgasm, I didn't feel superpowers, but I did feel a lot of energy and drive to get shit done.
- Meditate. I've always had a busy mind, I worry a lot and it gets me nowhere.
- Start a personal project or two, so I have something to work towards.
One thing I have noticed is if you try to change your life all at once, or try to pick up a lot of new habits in a short period of time, none of those habits will stick. The list above is something I'm going to work at over time.
Again, thank you for your support. I've reached a point in my life where I really want to do the hard work, and make myself better.
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