Are my looks holding me back?

[NotQuiteANerd97]

I’m a sophomore in college and for the most part, I like myself. I do well in classes, I have a pretty cool job, I have hobbies like music, politics, shooting, running, and meme-making. My friends think I’m cool and funny as well. But one thing I’m utterly terrible at is dating and romantic stuff. I’ve been in a few quite brief relationships with girls in high school but they were super awkward and they were just as clueless as I was. It bears noting that they were quite nerdy, more so than me. I often aimed for more popular girls at that small high school but always got rejected. Then when I transferred to a public high school I went through a depressive phase and lost confidence in everything. I slowly rebuilt it and now I feel much better about myself as a person, but I feel like I look so weird and not all that attractive to the point where it’s limiting me to a very limited selection of people that I might not even be able to recognize. I’m really preoccupied with whether or not a girl I’m approaching is in my league and what the odds of rejection are. I should probably mention I’m kinda bi and I’ve hooked up with guys. That being said, for romantic stuff I’d much prefer a girl. I know a relationship isn’t a necessity at this age but I feel like it would benefit me overall and hopefully her. That being said I still have some anxiety with initiating stuff because I’ve approached so many taken girls without knowing it, just making everything awkward.

But like I said, I struggle with my self image. I barely get any matches on Tinder and with girls I trade numbers with they very often flake and don’t respond. I’m inclined to think it’s because of how I look, so here’s a couple of pictures.

Is my appearance an issue? What league am I in? What am I on the 1-10 scale?

https://i.imgur.com/a2kOhR8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TOEKe8E.jpg

[BlackParadePixie]

No, your looks are absolutely not holding you back. You just haven't found the right girl. I would recommend spending less time about worrying what "league" you're in and focusing on being the best you that you can be and finding someone who compliments your life in more aspects than just your looks.

Now....do all girls think this way? No. Yes, some girls are hung up on things like looks and attractiveness...but is that really the kind of someone you want to be with?

[mick01]

Its really hard to answer the question if your looks are holding you back. I think personality and other traits are what make you attractive. I'm not saying looks aren't part of the equation but it's not just looks alone.

[rioo]

maybe you can change your close up picture with body image picture, so girls can see you more. For example if you like music then you can take picture yourselft playing guitar or musical instrument. Girls enjoy a man who have activity like sport, art or something fun.

[ska8er]

U have a lot going for u. U should not
b worried or depressed about ur looks
holding u back. U shouldn't b awkward
in relationships or other phases into
meeting new people and making friends.
U just do the best u can and b urself and
u will find girls will c the confidence in
u and want to date.

[samuel15]

you look just fine! i would say between 6 and 7, it's hard to tell from those
picures. what you could do is try a diffrent hair style! you got great hair and
it would be a shame to wast it with it only going down the side. also body
image are a lot better looking then Close ups.

if you feel awkward in a relationship that is because you don't know the
person, once you get to know the person like a friend the awkwardness goes
away, from what i read you are funny and cool with you friends so it shouldn't
be a problem for you.

[jamie_n5]

There is nothing wrong with your looks. You are a very handsome guy. You might just be lacking a bit in self confidence. Try to go to places where your age group hang out. Get involved in activities and social things. Just don't be so worried. Be patient and the right girl will come along for you.