Dear Steve,

I am a 23-year-old college graduate who moved here last year for a job opportunity. I’ve never been in a serious relationship. I struggled with mental health issues and making friends in high school and college, but eventually I found my way to friendships and health. Now I feel stuck with dating.

I had major crushes on two girls in college and one on someone I met at work. With all of them, things didn't work out and they were either not interested or as it turns out, gay. Some girls have expressed interest either directly or indirectly but I haven't been interested in them. I feel like I've been unlucky, and I'm realizing that I’m fairly late to the game – not dating has always made me feel inadequate. I feel strongly that I want to meet someone in person and not online, but understand that ultimately online dating is something I'm going to have to try given my desire to connect with someone and the reality that I haven't been lucky yet.

Do you have any practical advice?

– Frustrated Late Bloomer