So I (25M) got dumped 10 months after 8 years of off and on relationship with many ups and downs. Not terribly hung up about it ending, I believe it was the best thing for both of us, but I can't get out of my head about the things she told me in the 2-3 times she texted me in these 10 months.

I used to not give a single fuck about what anyone would tell me. I started going to therapy 2 months before she left me, and I changed a lot thanks to it. Some days I have a hard time recognizing the man I have become, the thoughts I have and even what I look like in the mirror.

I started reading books (never really had an interest in it before), hitting the gym hard, overall spending my time doing more productive things and because of it I'm convinced I'm a much better person.

Now the issue at hand is I'm scared shitless of meeting someone new. Everything about it from talking/texting to flirting to having sex. I found myself losing interest in pretty/intelligent girls as a way to avoid talking to them or getting to know them. I'm struggling hard and I know the best way to solve this issue would probably be to just shut up and do it (thanks Mark Manson). Anyone here with a similar story? How did you get out of your own head?