I'm a 19-year-old dude. Never had my first kiss, never really tried. I don't at all feel comfortable being openly romantic. The idea is fun but I just can't get there mentally. I only just started thinking "maybe I should try getting a girlfriend" about a year ago, I always told myself I'm not prepared for a relationship. I can talk to women all day long. I'm a pro at verbally flirting, but physically, the only times I can even consider making a move is when I'm playing it off as a joke. I could feel comfortable putting my arm around a girl for a minute if I was doing a 1920's voice and saying "you're goin' places kid, I'm gonna make you a star!" But if I was really into a girl and wanted to take it further? I'm suddenly walking two feet away from them on the date. Last Friday I went on a date where we were fighting over some controls for something and I ended up holding both of her hands for a bit during the play struggle, but actually going for her hand in a romantic way? I feel like I never could. This girl actively, outright tells me I don't have to keep my distance physically.

I'm relatively attractive, I smell nice, I'm a confident guy, I pretty dang close to loving myself, I'm 6'5", and I know I've gone out with plenty of girls who would have wanted me to make a move, but even when I know they probably want it, I just never can, not in a meaningful way. I can only do romantic stuff as a joke, and if I'm not taking myself seriously, how could she ever? How can I get past this? Maybe I don't want it enough? I've had a couple of girls throw themselves at me before, maybe I should just wait until one that I like does that?