yidforlife-
I started dating a few months ago.
i was forced to go on my first- I remember, the first shabbos I was home from seminary I had my cousin’s shabbos sheva brachos. My uncle came over to me and said “Nu, so you’ll start after tishah be’av or after succos? I had washed for hamotzi, and couldn’t answer, but i think the look on my face made him laugh.
When I did go on my first date- After chanukah- i still did NOT feel ready. I was doing it purely out of pressure from my parents, who dismissed my claims of not “being ready” as an excuse to push off dating.
Talk about a turn-off!
I got dates bH, but for me to get excited to go on a date took a long time, and I’m really happy it did happen.
So in answer to you- I completely empathize with your struggle, and maybe you’re just not ready to start dating. when you are, you’re gonna want to go out on a (yes, even a shidduch!) date
But deeeefinitely agreed, the shidduch system is BRUTAL!