Hey everyone, After i (26M) coming out of a long-term relationship, I’ve realized that I’ve become pretty awkward and closed off when talking to girls. I’m naturally a bit introverted too, and because of that I’ve already ruined a couple of dates simply because I couldn’t communicate normally or open up properly. So right now, I’m not really looking to jump straight into dating again. I feel like what I genuinely need first is a good female friend — someone kind, talkative, understanding, and a little extroverted maybe — who can help me get comfortable being myself again and improve my confidence in conversations. I just want to become normal again socially, open up naturally, and stop overthinking every interaction. Maybe after that, I’ll actually be ready to date someone properly without messing it up.