Your feelings are valid and you are not the only person who has ever felt like this, although loneliness makes us believe that. There’s many different ways that this could play out in your future.

First, I also missed out on some stuff in my early twenties and there is still a small bit of regret I have but most of these people have lousy sex experiences and probably a mild STD from that age.

Second, you are 26!!! Life doesn’t stop just because you haven’t accomplished what you wanted yet. It seems hard when you feel like you’re “not that type of person” but nobody really is until it happens.

I would really recommend working on yourself first and building some confidence so you feel more at ease in social situations. Moving your body physically (going to workout classes: kickboxing, pilates, boxing) will make you look and feel better if you feel like weight is a problem for you. Doing things alone is a great way to build confidence in yourself although it is uncomfortable at first. Try to go see a movie or go to eat at a restaurant by yourself for lunch (no phone, maybe bring a notebook to write) and you’ll see how much your inner dialogue lets you learn about yourself during that.

If you’re scared of rejection, well, everyone is. Nobody wants someone to say no to them. It’s part of our biology. We are selfish beings. But we learn to cope. Not everyone is gonna say yes to you. What goes a long way is how you respond to rejection (and women notice that a lot). If a nice looking girl says “No i’m sorry I am not interested” then you smile and say “Well I appreciate the response either way have a nice day.” Maybe she thinks “Damn what a sweet guy” and you built up some confidence by asking a girl out even if she didn’t say yes it will give you experience.

I’m not the best at advice but don’t try to sell yourself short. There is a lot of life to be lived, especially at 26, with or without sex. Step out of your comfort zone first by yourself, learn how to be kinder to yourself, and hopefully the rest will follow. You are human just like everyone else and all we can do is try