I think that it is deffo the whole 'rejection thing', that prevents making any moves. I know from experience (but then, I do have a pretty low opinion of myself lol). When I think of all the lost chances and missed opportunities, it makes me think - why didn't I just take a chance?
And it is mainly due to the fact that, as I do have a fairly low opinion of myself, I don't like rejection - it damages the little confidence that I have.

That said, I don't socialise very much - especially these days - as I have little faith in the majority of people. I have grown to be pretty intolerant of peoples' lack of vision and intelligence. I see how they are sucked into the falsities of the social protocol, and allow themselves to be controlled by the machinations of politicians and the media - and quite frankly, I find it tiresome. The last time I socialised (back in July), I was 'forced' to go into town for a 'pub crawl' type event lol. I am very much someone who studies people and listens to their topics of conversation - I am left feeling bewildered at their misplaced sense of importance; the happenings in their favourite soaps are discussed in a manner that borders on the fanatic, or volatile debate about 'who the best footballer is'... It's not so much the topic, as the way that they get so wound up about it - lkeit is a major factor of their lives!

I prefer to stay in and chat on forums like this one, as I find that I can talk to people who have a broader outlook on life and a higher level of intelligence.
And let's remember - intelligence isn't a measure of knowledge, but more a willingness to investigate and learn about that which they are not familiar with - a quality that I find sadly lacking in the general population.

I think I got slightly off-track, didn't I lol
I hate to over generalise, but I guess that I have a different perspective on life (not necessarily the right one lol) that most peple that I come into contact with find hard to understand. It is a vicious circle, I guess - I have no faith that I will meet a girl that turns me on on every level, so will not put myself in a position of rejection - I don't need the trauma lol. I place intelligent conversation on the same level as mutual sexual satisafaction, and would be equally as happy sitting down with a girl, chatting and listening to choooons, as I would making love with her - a bizarre concept!
But then there is the whole relationship issue - I've been burnt before - and whilst I would not try to tarnish eveyone with the same brush, It makes it very difficult for me to trust anyone with my emotions.

Welcome to Hermitsville lmaoo