Dating for introverted men is far more difficult

Now, I'm not close-minded on this so my perspective can definitely be changed, but I hate being an introverted man when it comes to dating and relationships—it hurts. I suck at cold approaching women. I'm a pretty decent conversationalist but I just don't know how to get things started. And as a man you're expected to approach, which means facing rejection far more than women do.

Also when it comes to reading signs and being assertive about escalating sexually—I think men are expected to do that in a smooth, not creepy way, which feels so difficult because I can never get a read on what women are thinking. I guess I'm just venting as a guy who gets no attention from women, but that's my piece. - Academic_Share7905

Cold approach is not the only way to meet women, I would guess the overwhelming amount of relationships don't start from that; most probably come from shared acquaintances/friends or spring up from convenience/proximity (work, school, apps...) I think men are expected to initiate, but it is not only applied within the framework of cold approach. I don't view the onus of approach as a good or bad thing, more so than a biological thing.. and I get that this'll be a controversial take for men who struggle, but eventually it might be a fun thing for you - the chase, the challenge, a display of perseverance, interpersonal skill.

Also when it comes to reading signs and being assertive about escalating sexually—I think men are expected to do that in a smooth, not creepy way, which feels so difficult because I can never get a read on what women are thinking. I guess I'm just venting as a guy who gets no attention from women, but that's my piece.

I think these skills come naturally as an affect of experience and time, fumbling is okay, it's how we learn and improve. You will not be perfect the first time you do anything. Here's a non-shocker, most guys don't get attention from women; at least not in the obvious ways that we tend to think of and give attention to women, they're signs are much more subtle, seemingly arbitrary or innocuous to us.

Furthermore, you don't have to know what women are thinking to initiate or inquire, you only have to know what you're thinking and how you feel; your senses will also get better with time and practice. Unfortunately, sometimes you will have to risk ego and sometimes you will get rejected. The way I see it is that failure or rejection should not be viewed as a humiliation ritual, but a sign that you are trying, and as a byproduct of the process, honing yourself and your skills. Because you're either the person trying, the one commiserating, or the passive person making snarky comments about people who are trying. I've been in all shoes, and I think the former is vastly preferable to the latters.