Where do I start looking?

[Wolfpack]

Thank you for the responses! I'll check out the free sites and the links. It was always easy for me to meet women but I guess I'm just nervous that while out and about I will meet a guy, misinterpret his signals, and end up trying to ask a straight man out. I know it will take time but this whole new world for me is exciting and scary at the same time.

There is definitely no reason for me to rush. I want to come out to my parents before I start dating...and that is something that will happen sooner rather than later (the coming out part).

Thanks again for the advice; you're all awesome!

You are not alone , I only came out to my parents last year , it was not easy but things are much better now and soon I want to start dating.

[Mark]

I think maybe easing yourself in with some online things might help - get you used to socialising with Gay men and give you more of a knowledge in some way? Just make it a bit easier and develop those social skills

Then once ready I would agree with Swalter and hit up some local hangouts. It may seems daunting but once you've socialised with guys you might find it a bit easier to throw yourself in so to speak :p

[AlohaShannon]

Thanks Marky. It is a bit daunting and I want to start meeting people in order to build some friendships but it is that first step that keeps my feet from moving. I'm in no rush though so for the time being I will just stick to these forums.

[AlfredM]

I'd say OKCupid.com is a good dating site as well,so far I don't see many people looking for hook up on that site compared to other gay dating apps like Grindr and Scruff. Plus there's compatibility algorithm used to show how many percentage you and the other party match each other,but it's not an important factor. There's also various kind of questions you could find out specifically without asking the other party directly (if he set the question to be public) and judge on your own if he's the kind of people you wanna date. I think the hardest thing is to actually meet up with the other guy,it's really pointless to chat endlessly,and you could see how inclined they are to meeting other people from a question in this site which should help you into filtering those who won't meet you at all.

I don't like crowds,so gay bars and clubs aren't my scene,but maybe one day I'll get out of my comfort zone just to make actual friends the traditional way. Some mentioned of LGBT center as a great alternative to meet other local gays,something that's not available here,sigh,but maybe there's one near your place,you could check it out there. Well,good luck in meeting new people~

[chillythoughts]

I wouldnt go the dating site route. people use fake pics and then theres people who will rape and murder you. I HIGHLY suggest staying away from those sites.

[ddd]

I wouldnt go the dating site route. people use fake pics and then theres people who will rape and murder you. I HIGHLY suggest staying away from those sites.

And there are a lot of Fake Profiles and some Scammers that will drive you nuts!

[chillythoughts]

And there are a lot of Fake Profiles and some Scammers that will drive you nuts!

thats true too.

[Wardo94]

Ok, so I'm not ready to start dating yet, but I'm interested in receiving some advice about where to look when I am ready. Now I know that someone out there is going to say to look around in social settings just like any straight person would. But I'm a bit particular (maybe peculiar too) so I thought a dating website like eharmony.com or match.com might be appropriate. I'm not looking to find one night stands; when I'm ready to date, I really want the date to have substance and not just focused on sex.

Thoughts?

I do know two really good apps that I've had some good experiences on. It all depends who lives around you. Try "Jack'd" and "Hornet". Hope it works out for you

[AlohaShannon]

More great advice, thanks!

I love how adamant you are about staying away from dating sites ivorybenz! I definitely don't want to get raped and murdered. I think if I do decide to use a dating site it will be a more reliable one that charges for membership. I have an unsubstantiated belief that creepers don't pay membership costs (I know that's ridiculous but it is a justification I need to hold on to). Your warning is definitely noted!!!

[swalter]

I can't speak about ivorybenz's experiences, but I've had several encounters / dates from various online sites and apps, and have never been raped or murdered. I met several good people I wouldn't have met otherwise, greatly expanded my social circle, and had a ton of hot sex. There were some less-than-desirable experiences, but only because they either lied about themselves to get sex or it just didn't work out. I never felt threatened by anyone, or unsafe in any way. I think the dating sites and apps are just like real life - there are good people and bad people - but if you take some common sense precautions and trust your instincts, you'd have a lot of fun with it.