Good morning, 
Long time lurker, first time poster (throwaway account)

I've been wanting to ask a question for a long while now, but haven't found anywhere appropriate until, I hope, now. I've considered r/askreddit, r/depression and previously tried to post in r/theredpill but was denied due to low karma, and myriad other options to voice my current position and problems. 

My situation is as follows: I have been brought up with little to no contact with "other people" until very recently when I began university. My experience of the outside world is derived from the thousands of books, films, games, TV shows and other media I have consumed over my 18 years. I know these have programmed me with certain expectations when it comes to relationships and I take this into account when considering my next steps.

I would like to be in a relationship. I like the idea of having someone I can be with, and trust and talk to.However, I have literally zero experience with women. I have not had a "first kiss." I am still a virgin. The most physical intimacy I have ever achieved it holding the hand of an extremely drunk girl as I guided her to a bus stop. I don't feel a largely sexual urge, just a longing for companionship.

I fear that I have started life too late and that my circumstances may be to "weird" for someone to understand.
user
I am a virgin who has zero experience with dating and don't know where to begin.
assistant
Good morning, 
Long time lurker, first time poster (throwaway account)

I've been wanting to ask a question for a long while now, but haven't found anywhere appropriate until, I hope, now. I've considered r/askreddit, r/depression and previously tried to post in r/theredpill but was denied due to low karma, and myriad other options to voice my current position and problems. 

My situation is as follows: I have been brought up with little to no contact with "other people" until very recently when I began university. My experience of the outside world is derived from the thousands of books, films, games, TV shows and other media I have consumed over my 18 years. I know these have programmed me with certain expectations when it comes to relationships and I take this into account when considering my next steps.

I would like to be in a relationship. I like the idea of having someone I can be with, and trust and talk to.However, I have literally zero experience with women. I have not had a "first kiss." I am still a virgin. The most physical intimacy I have ever achieved it holding the hand of an extremely drunk girl as I guided her to a bus stop. I don't feel a largely sexual urge, just a longing for companionship.

I fear that I have started life too late and that my circumstances may be to "weird" for someone to understand.
user
I have no idea how to start dating or even how to find a girlfriend. I am not going to make any mistakes. I'm just looking for advice and encouragement, and any other suggestions for things to read or
assistant