Whenever I start trying to date someone, sooner or later we discuss relationships and/or sexual history. I tell them the truth, which is that I have no relationship or sexual history. They act like everything is fine, and then, days later, they tell me it's over. Or they don't tell me, and they just leave.

I know I'm not supposed to tell the truth. I mean, obviously I wouldn't lie. But it's a lie by omission. And I don't want to do that. I don't want to get hot and heavy, and for the woman I'm with to send me raunchy photos, only to act like this is something I've done before. Like I know what to do. Because I don't. And because I didn't know what to do when I was a kid, I don't know what to do as an adult in my thirties. It feels inescapable.

I know one or two of you will jump in with your success story. And I appreciate what you're trying to do. But I live in the present, and hope has proven a poor investment.