Me [45 M] scared to ask: Why can't I form romantic relationships?

I've had one relationship that lasted a month or so. I'm desperately lonely.

I think self-esteem's my main problem. Why that is my problem, I have no idea.

Obviously the answer is: get therapy! But I'm scared of (1) the shame of having to have therapy (2) I'm scared of what I may discover? (3) Seeking help is an admission of failure. (4) Is this even my real problem? ie Is my depression a cause or effect of this??

I have no problem meeting women, or talking with them, or even flirting with them. I think I'm averagely attractive ie the same as 60% of us.

Where do I even start?

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tl;dr: Middle-aged guy, never had a genuine long term relationship, it's the main distressing thing of my life.

Submitted June 06, 2020 at 06:18AM by RAAFStupot https://ift.tt/3eV74J8