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[–]dingleburry_joe 100 points101 points102 points 4 years ago (8 children) | Copy Link
Dude your 23, you got your whole life ahead of you. Stop being a bitch and start making better choices, most people don't even stop or wait till it's wayy to late. Good luck
[–]Machiavelique 8 points9 points10 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
I came here to say this. Including the word "bitch".
You spend a couple of years on things you don't like anymore. That isn't much worse than a change of career. Get up, get out, get going.
[–]VVSimani 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Yea for real, that’s a great perspective. Thank you bro
[–]the-mo55 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link
Tough love. Nice
[–]dingleburry_joe 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Tough love it's what is needed with men, its not to insult him but to motivate him
[–]Quirky_Swordfish_855 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
This is the way.
[–]VVSimani 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Facts bro
[–]obviouslybait 3 points4 points5 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
He's realizing this at 23, man how many people I know at 30 that still don't have it together bro. You're fine.
[–]HalfInflatedDogLord 30 points31 points32 points 4 years ago (5 children) | Copy Link
I'm 48 and you know what? I fucked around when I was your age too and I'm doing fine. Heck, I've been doing alright since around my late 20s. I went to college around 27 or 28 and was able to work in a field that I was good at. Even if you don't get on track the same time as I did, you still have plenty of time. A friend of mine was completely adrift as he turned 30, and he decided to just upend his life, move to the Yukon and just make a go of it. Now he's happily married, with a cute little daughter, and a podcast he loves doing. Just figure out what you're good at and find a way to do it. As far as social life, I find that it just sort of comes together. Either through meeting people at college (if you go), or through whatever job you do.
The best thing you can do right now is to not sweat it. Stop worrying and look at your life like it's just beginning.
[–]meteorness123 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Kind of lifefuel. I'm turning thirty this year, high school dropout, no money, little sexual experience and had to move in with my parents. I will probably start university 32 and I don't know what to do or how to feel about that. It feels utterly embarassing veing so behind
A lot can change in 4 years. Jordon Patterson talked about the “compounding effect”. How in the beginning it starts slow and as you keep moving forward, your progress multiplies. Hang in there bro
This was really inspiring to read and I like how you mentioned to stop worrying and just start doing.
Thank you so much bro
[+][deleted] -6 points-5 points-4 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
"Sort of comes together"
In a thread about how to do that
What the hell dude
[–]HalfInflatedDogLord 3 points4 points5 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
That's why I elaborated a bit in the next sentence. My point is that OP needn't worry too much about it and feel like they need some sort of itemized list of things to do.
[–]bloodyblob 27 points28 points29 points 4 years ago (5 children) | Copy Link
Wasted your life? Stfu, just go out and meet random people.
[–]bloodyblob 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Haha thank you for the helpful award :)
I mean, it is that simple. Regardless of whatever issues you may be struggling with, (one of) the only way(s) to extend your social circle and improve yourself is by going out and meeting people. Without getting into the psychology of it, everyone has the exact same reservations over meeting new people (read: challenging your comfort zone), but they normalise/justify it in different ways.
End of the day, you’re not scared of meeting new people, you’re scared of being rejected.
[–]VVSimani 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Yea you definitely make a point, it’s been a tough transition because I’m starting to go bald a bit.
I’m not using that as an excuse but I’ve always had hair so it’s a huge identity crisis when I’m starting to recede.
[–]bloodyblob 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Dude, it is an excuse, and that’s fine. Confidence is the number one aspect. If you don’t feel good about yourself, you’ll never get anywhere. With anything.
Random compliment: you’re a good person. Keep being you and enjoy being you :)
[–]VVSimani 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
I respect the tough live bro thank you
You’re not even an adult yet. You have everything in front of you. You got this, son ;)
[–][deleted] 4 points5 points6 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Dude, I’m 22 and I completely understand where you’re coming from. In fact I think I was in a worse position than you were. I lost all my friends because of my antisocial behavior and bitter personality. Which I have learned it stemmed from lack of affection and attention at home. The only form of affection I received was working for my family business on weekends and a “good job” from my parents. I had literally one friend growing up. This made me self reserved and self loathing. In fact it made me so insecure that I started valuing my self through how much money I had and how expensive I dressed because it was my only outlet. This lifestyle led me to being arrested on grand larceny charges just 3 years ago. Just in the past year thanks to social distancing and a lot of self reflecting I am beginning to unfold and breakdown who I was and becoming who I want to be. I love people at my core I love to talk to people and I want to trust people. I am working on this and will continue to. I just started doing this meditation thing called “heal your inner child” I think it’s going to be good for me in the long run. With all that being said, please go look at yourself in the mirror and just talk about who you want to be and how you can become that person. Please don’t dwell on the past when you can work on being what you want today. If anything please reach out I would love to discuss further and just get to know you take care!
[–]mrcastrospeaks 6 points7 points8 points 4 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link
How do you want to improve your social life if your own life is a mess?
Before thinking about dating hot girls or walking around with smart/influent people your have to work on yourself first.
Workout, to improve your body. Study and work, to improve your knowledge and money. Get better clothes and work on your hygiene, to boost your appearance.
It will boost your CONFIDENCE, which will improve your social results.
This is facts. Most guys fail with women because their foundations are ALL the way wrong. Out here worried about women & friends when you broke, out of shape and don’t have a plan for the next 5 years.
Gotta spend 1 good year focusing on developing healthy habits & unlearning the bad ones. THEN go out like a beast and approach people.
[–]1hatethis -1 points0 points1 point 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Nah that’s bullshit. The whole work on yourself before you start going for the girls mantra is ass.
Just go for the girls. Priority #1 if it’s really affecting your mental health (not getting them that is). Lower priority if not
[–]No-Department6252 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Women aren’t attracted broke out of shape guys with no confidence. Focus on Yourself and women will damn near approach you. That’s the way it should be. Stop chasing women like a beta male simp mangina
Since a lot of people are being harsh here, let me tell you that you still have hope, your ship is still sailing just get serious dude.
[–]Murfdigidy 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I had a similar story to yours except insert zero girlfriends. I was a 23yr old loser stoner, smoking 5 times a day. You think at 23 you were supposed to do so much and have experienced so much and the fact is you are still so young and most people your age have no clue wtf they're doing the rest of your lives. most people are still so insecure about themselves at 23. Even people who think they know what they're gonna do change their mind by 30.
Keys to success are, work on yourself, take steps positively each day that walk you away from all the lazy do nothing shit you currently do now. Most people fail because most people are lazy, they give up after a few weeks or even months because results take time. Self esteem is essential to work on first so that you can improve who you are but also how you view yourself, don't be your worst critic, be your most positive. Work out and exercise are also key imo, it's just so beneficial not only physically but mentally.
The walk is not a sprint it's a marathon, be patient and keep at it. DON'T STOP JUST DON'T. And one day you'll look back and say damn, I'm glad I did that
[–]mrcloso 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I'm 40. You have no idea how young you are. You have no idea how much potential you have. You have no idea of the many opportunities that will show up for you in the future.
Everybody goes through this kind of shit but now is the time to act and stop wasting your time.
[–]vtorow 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
You’re 23 lmao. You didn’t even experience life yet.
[–]SnooShortcuts9282 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Man I'm 35 and still digging my way out of some shit.
You're 23. You're a KID. You haven't even had a life to waste yet.
Cheer up and hop to it!
[–]zoric75 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Guillermo del toro said he was done at the age of 29, that all his life had been a waste, now look at him
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I commuted a felony in my early 30’s. My life really sucked for a while. But I kept moving forward, Putting 1 foot in front of the other. And I have a great life now. Good job. Good money. Good friends. If I did it so could you.
[–]Kieldro 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Get your career started, get in the gym. You can make huge improvements over time
[–]Calamity__Bane 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I’m 23 years old and have wasted my life….
You definitely haven't lol, but now is a fantastic time to get back on track.
How can I build a social life knowing that I’m so far behind in life?
You are not far behind in life, most people either a) dick around in their early 20s, b) plateau at some point in their careers and fail to progress beyond it, or c) burn out early. The people in the first category are still able to avoid being the people in the second and third categories if they play their cards right and listen to the right people.
Please feel free to be open and honest about any advice you can give, even if it’s harsh.
I will instead link this video here, which is full of advice I wish I'd taken at your age.
[–]OnyxiasLair 2 points3 points4 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I really really really hate to use this saying, but dude, get a grip. You're so young
[–][deleted] 3 points4 points5 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
You’re not far behind, you just think you are because everyone else your age is trying so hard to look grown up and tick boxes.
I like to say your 20s are about destroying the ego. All the childish ideas you had about how you’re supposed to be or how your life should turn out get challenged and eliminated. It’s a painful process.
Your 30s are about building and obtaining success.
You’re not behind trust me.
[–]Great-Poet3670 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
This ☝🏿
[–]andyhura 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
So go get up and make a change! You see the things that hindered your growth, so change that. You’re still young homie, don’t let your potential die out
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
I’d start by reading a book called How to be a 3% Man by Corey Wayne which is literally all about dating, avoiding the pitfalls following a breakup and developing confidence.
Then I’d start going to the gym & lifting weights. There’s nothing more therapeutic and life-changing, like working out.
[–]quantumactual 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Great advice! Corey Wayne is the goat, and should be advertised.
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
His book changed my whole life. I hope it can do the same for most guys who have struggled with dating.
The advice for men & women these days is terrible when it comes to dating, its no wonder most people are unhappy in relationships and the birth rates are dropping.
[–]daysinnroom203 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I mean this respectfully- 23 is a baby, you’ve only begun to live. This is the start, set your rudders and direct this boat.
[–]kory08 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I was in and our of rehabilitation centers until I was exactly your age. Almost ten years removed from that life I'm pretty damn successful. Don't lose hope brother.
I’m in the same boat I literally turned 24 yesterday and everyday I wake up I keep thinking to myself on the years I’ve wasted and where I could be had applied my efforts correctly, but I disagree with you aims. I’m in track to get in the best physalis shape I possibly can. Trust me this is more important than socializing because people want pleasure in the end and if you are good Loki outfalls you will attest many women in your life.
[–]TrickoTreat07 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
you realized it today, every day from now on needs to be better. apply yourself anyway you can take the job take the risk, talk to new people listen to podcasts and get out there and change something little by little until you are the person you want to be
[–]Czekraft 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
You could easily get a programming job in under a year if you applied just as much time as drinking, smoking, and videogames.
See this story of a guy who was in a coma and tell us what excuses you have.
[–]Voltz_got_a_potato 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
You are sailing on a different boat compared to your high school peers. Depression can hit any time and it is good to have dealt with it early in your life. Nothing you said is bad IMO, depression is bad mental health and it grows on you and evolves into an illness. My main concern for you is if you have been earning money during these 5 years and/or have sorted out with depression yet. If you haven't sorted out your problems with mental health then it is EXTREMELY important to do so! because you at the age of 23 don't know what being on peak performance really feels like. You need to have a taste of what you can do and what you can achieve to test yourself. Do you know what you want to do in life? is there a way to reach that goal? does that goal only go through the path of achieving a degree? if your main goal is to make money then a degree isn't important although if you have a dream job then it is important to get started as soon as you can. AVOID GETTING INTO DEBT. majority of your peers might already be deep down in debt that you don't know about, go for qualification and try to find the cheapest way to learn and get an entry-level job where you can build yourself to that particular job. Have a plan then make efforts to achieve that. If you enter a degree now then you will have peers who are younger than you but equally less experienced in work-life like you. Go ahead and live a great life.
[–]EscapeVelocity83 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
Youre 23, you havnt had a life
[–]norwegiandoggo 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (8 children) | Copy Link
Then stop wasting the other 70 years of your life. Start improving day by day now, and by the time you are 30 you will have caught up with the rest. If not sooner.
[–][deleted] -1 points0 points1 point 4 years ago (7 children) | Copy Link
How do you know that exactly
[–]norwegiandoggo 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
What is that supposed to mean? I'm trying to give OP some inspiration here. Who cares if it happens or not. It's not about the destination. It's about improving. It's about the journey
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
Lying about the outcome is still lying about the outcome, it might happen.
Who cares if it happens or not?? If I get to 30 and it didn't happen, that sounds like a pretty miserable existence, especially being surrounded by people who find it easy.
The results are important because skinship is an important part of human life. How many people needed therapy because of quarantine? Now multiply that by decades.
[–]norwegiandoggo 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
A deeper sense of lasting happiness is not dependent on obtaining a particular outcome or goal. You work on yourself for yourself. Because you enjoy that process and you enjoy improving. You don't improve yourself so that you can be "equal to others" at 30. I was just using that as an analogy. Don't take it literally. I thought that was clear but apparently not
[–]Calamity__Bane 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link
The vast majority of humans are retards and have no idea what they're doing, and consequently, will fuck up in several dozen ways before they hit 30 and can fully capitalize on the good choices they made. If OP actually consistently spends the next 7 years making good choices, he will be miles ahead of everyone else.
[–][deleted] 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
Those same humans lose their virginity at 17 on average
[–]Calamity__Bane 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
And?
[–][deleted] 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
...and, if the vast majority of people don't know what they're doing, but still manage to mostly lose it by 20, how is figuring life shit out going to help anything? I don't see the correlation
Yes it makes sense that life will improve in general, but relating that to sex makes zero sense when everyone has sex anyway
[–]meteorness123 1 point2 points3 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I feel this way but I'm 29.
I never understand when when people in their early to mid twenties say shit like this. You havent even reached your physical prime
[–]starsky333 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
I can relate to this I am 24
[–]quantumactual 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (3 children) | Copy Link
I’m 22. Got the gf. Still not super content where I’m at. Just focus on where you are now and where you can improve. I’m trying to learn a skill currently. The gf takes up a lot of time! Love her though.
[–]H8beingmale 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (2 children) | Copy Link
looks like you figured out the dating game quite early in life
[–]quantumactual 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (1 child) | Copy Link
I’ve learned quite a lot since high school. In high school I struggled a bit. If you desire to get better, you will.
[–]H8beingmale 0 points1 point2 points 4 years ago (0 children) | Copy Link
ya because lots of guys still struggle in their early 20s or well into their 20s
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[–]dingleburry_joe 100 points101 points102 points (8 children) | Copy Link
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