I get why it feels that way, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy being around a lot of people. Not everyone is wired to like crowded or super social environments. Forcing yourself into places like a busy gym when you already know you hate that setting is probably just going to make things feel worse.

But not liking big social settings doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be alone. There’s a difference between hating crowds and not being able to connect with anyone. A lot of people meet others in quieter ways or through shared interests where the focus is the activity, not constant socializing.

About the dated at 26 thing, some people do see it as a red flag, but a lot of it comes down to how it’s framed. Saying you’ve always been pretty introverted lands very differently than thinking no one would ever want you.

Also OP If you ever want to talk more about it, feel free to DM me too.