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submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by Platypus to c/goodoffmychest@lemmy.world

I'm aware that I'm worthless but still can't turn off that libido or sexual desire and is killing me. Another thing to add to the list of failures as an male adult.

No job, own place, car, friends, virgin. Why am I even alive?

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[-] GrayBackgroundMusic@lemm.ee 17 points 6 days ago

I’m aware that I’m worthless

No, you're not. You are in a bad place or in a bad time. Everyone has worth, but sometimes the people around you fail to recognize it or the place you're in fails to feel right. It doesn't stay that way, change is the only constant in life. Everyone has periods where things suck, even the best life. You'll find a place and time and people who love you, even if depression lies to you.

My anxiety voice tells me all sorts of terrible lies about how I'm worthless, despite overwhelming evidence. Sometimes I believe it, and those days are bad. It takes some time, but I get past it. You will, too.

[-] Platypus 5 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Past? That's has been my life for 20 years by now. Nothing is going to change

[-] Aurenkin@sh.itjust.works 3 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

I'm really sorry that you're having these feelings, nobody deserves them but unfortunately that doesn't stop them from happening. Obviously every situation is different but for me personally it took me over 30 before I started to change. Could have been a lot faster if I recognised some things sooner but that can't be helped now. The hardest part is that the change has to come from you and it's going to be hard but it's worth it and things absolutely can change.

[-] Platypus -2 points 4 days ago

I'm older than you. No, nothing changes

[-] SoylentBlake@lemm.ee 0 points 5 days ago

Everything is going to change. It has no other option. Time is literally a measurement of change.

If you are as you say, which I'll surmise in nicer language for you as untethered, than brother, options are just waiting for you to pick them.

Especially if you're only 20, trust me, all the good years are ahead of you. Being in your early 20s, physically, is amazing. In evwry single other way is a nightmare. I went from 17-21 without so much as a hug from another person. Any person. And at times I despaired, like you are now, and things seemed really bleak.

That was over 2 decades ago for me now. Here's a few short things I wish I knew then and then I'll give you what I would do in your shoes.

My first two default pieces of advice are always

You can lose a lot of money chasing women but you'll never lose women chasing money

And

Some days you're the pigeon, some days you're the statue.

To you personally tho, remember these things.

To our biological imperitive we have one goal. Survive. Everyday you wake up, you wake up already winning. Remember that as you choose your attitude for the day.

And yes, you always choose your attitude and you always choose your reaction to the world. Those, along with your word, are, in fact, the ONLY things you own. No one can take those away from you, and never compromise them - you're sense of self, your definition of yourself, come from there.

Do what you say you will do, always. If you can't commit, then don't. Better to be honest than to offer false hope - you already know what copium and being let down feels like, don't add more of that into the world.

Worry about what you can control and that's it. You can not control anyone else, so stop trying and stop worrying about it.

You have a moral responsibility to tell the truth. What happens after you do isn't in your control. Let the world sort itself out, and deal with it as it comes to you. worry about you. The truth doesn't need to yell. The truth doesn't need to get angry. The truth doesn't need to impress. The truth just is, and no one can change that. The truth is the only solid foundation a future can be built from.

Life isn't supposed to be easy. It wasn't for our ancestors and we aren't any better equipped than them. It's always going to be hard. It's always going to feel like you're moving from one crisis to another. You'll get better at navigating it with time. But because that's just the MO, you can gain the perspective to cherish simpler, quieter, recovery times. It's as much a choice as it is biological.

Your brain is super good at imagining all the bad that can come your way, so it can be prepared if it does. That's its main job, prep for disaster and keep you alive. Remember this as intrusive thoughts come on. I swear to Christ 99% of my thoughts are absolute worthless garbage. There are some people who think every thought they have is holy, like the voice is your head is the voice of God - how fucking terrifying- for all of us then, I can't even begin to understand it.

In your head is a version of you you consider better. Become that. That's your purpose. Everything else will fall into place.

Your sense of value you place in yourself is entirely built upon achieving things that were hard. Sorry, there's no other way. Ive made it a point after waking up and doing some physical activity that makes me sweat (yr not fully awake until you sweat) to do the hardest thing I can think of first. You need to push yourself and find your limits. Big things are built in small increments over time. Months, years. Your body as you age is a reflection of these choices. If you can't be proud of you, why should anyone else be. Train for a marathon. Get stronger, for you, cuz life is easier when you are stronger. Don't bite your nails, when you have fingernails your hands become tools. Build things. Fix things. Be additive to the world and not destructive. Lift your friends up and be supportive. You shine brighter in the reflection of their glow, and vice versa.

Now if I were to go back and do it again I would do one of two things

I would either join a union (specifically plumbers, electricians, HVAC or elevator technicians)

Or I would join the coast guard and go search and rescue. That search and rescue guy, that guy gets whatever he wants out of the world. Be that guy.

[-] Platypus 1 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

I do not know were you get that I'm only in my 20s. And I'm not American, I don't live there, majority of the stuff you say are not applicable to me. Dude I literally live with my family and have no future.

[-] 2ugly2live@lemmy.world 7 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

You're not worthless, you're lonely and seemingly frustrated.

I don't know why you think you can just turn off your libido, you're a human being, that's pretty much built in. Not to belittle your feelings, but I just don't see how something innately human makes someone worthless.

I know it sounds daunting, but start with the job (hear me out). I don't know you're background/age, but a job can help not just with money, but socializing. I'm not saying getting a job is easy by any means, but it'll be the first step in making yourself feel more empowered, since three of the five things you mentioned are related to job/income.

A just drop "virgin" from the list. Not saying to not look for love, but being virgin at any age doesn't make anyone worthless.

I believe that your goals are achievable, but they all require time to really see the fruits of your labor, and that can really suck in the here and now. You're not worthless, just at a different part of your own journey, at your own pace. Nothing is wrong with that or you.

Even if you don't believe in yourself, believe in the me that believes in you, because I'm sure you can do it.

~~sorry this is so long~~

[-] Platypus 0 points 5 days ago

I can't find a job. That's the problem

[-] 2ugly2live@lemmy.world 1 points 4 days ago

If you're comfortable saying, what experience/background do you have? Any disabilities or jobs you're unable to do (either mentally or physically) I don't want to rattle stuff off that's not pertinent. Oh, and country, or where abouts?

[-] Platypus 0 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Warehouse. That's it. And I have no education beyond middle school. But that's typical for immigrants in Europe. Applied for Amazon and MC Donald's were supposedly "anyone gets a job" but nothing. There's literally NOTHING for me. And no, moving from here isn't an option.

[-] 2ugly2live@lemmy.world 0 points 4 days ago

How's your typing? Do you think you'd be interested in data entry? Not the highest paying gig, but it could be a start. I'd day customer service, but they usually want at least a high school degree, but you could try retail. Are there and manual jobs around, such as construction (if that's an option).

[-] Platypus 0 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

No, I don't know how to use a computer well or typing. There's nothing and I don't have a car or license

[-] deegeese@sopuli.xyz 8 points 5 days ago

You have some goals you feel are unachievable because there are too many things wrong with your life.

Many of those things can be fixed and are thus achievable goals.

Decide what you can start to fix today and do the next step. I’d suggest starting by applying to jobs that you may think such, but which you are qualified for.

Start with a shitty job and you’ll earn money for a car and maybe make some friends. Apply for a better job later and you’ll have money for your own place.

Fix all that stuff and meeting women won’t seem as scary.

[-] Platypus 1 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

I tried already. Nobody calls and I had a shit job before

[-] wesker@lemmy.sdf.org 6 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Have you thought about paying for sex? I mean, assuming you're either in a country that doesn't have take puritanical stance against it -- or if you are can do it safely.

[-] Platypus 3 points 6 days ago

That's not a possibility.

[-] deegeese@sopuli.xyz 2 points 5 days ago

Virginity is the symptom, not the disease.

[-] wesker@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 5 days ago

Maybe in his post-nut clarity he'll realize he's his own worst enemy.

[-] Aeao@lemmy.world 4 points 5 days ago

You aren't worthless and you can grow as a person thru lonely times.

It might've been easier for me going thru it as a teen. I was pulled from school and homeschooled, in the Texas countryside. I slowly lost every friend I had in school and there was literally no one else to talk to but my family.

I have a great family, but it wasn't a warm family. My mother was a very stern and logical woman and my father worked out of town a lot.

They both loved me, but my point is I spent years entirely alone.

I took walks and read books. It got easier.

Decades later I'm still kind of a loner but entirely by choice. As an adult I get flirted with and hit on often. I'm very careful about who I date because I don't need it. I'm fine being alone now, I only date someone if they are adding something to my life.

It gets easier being alone, you eventually start to prefer it.

[-] Mac@mander.xyz 3 points 5 days ago

You could describe anyone as worthless as the existance of humanity isn't inherently "worth" anything.
Create your own worth.

[-] meanmedianmode@lemmy.world 3 points 5 days ago

Hey bud, that sucks...for sure and while my situation is different, I've been in the same place often. I wonder if I'll ever get away from failure, but to some degree, it seems to simply always shadow me.

So many things I'd like to offer or suggest but they'd probably come off as cheesy or preachy. And that sucks because I hate thinking that people are in the same space that I am and have been. Hopelessness I an awful companion.

Is there one thing, anything at all that is on the other side of the failure list? Anything you know you do well or that generates a smidgen of satisfaction. Like, fuck I don't know, do you make a killer peanut butter sandwich or can you catch the soap inhumanely fast if you drop it in the shower or maybe do goldfish seem to think your interesting? Can you find one thing that if only for a short moment, exists outside of the cloud of failure?

[-] Platypus 0 points 4 days ago
[-] mrcleanup@lemmy.world 1 points 4 days ago

Let's assume that you are right and you are worthless right now, there's power in acknowledging that. You don't have to fight through denial, you are ready to change.

I'm not as familiar with Europe, but they must have some sort of social welfare framework. Get plugged in. Explain your frustrations, ask what programs they recommend, then do them. Your plan hasn't worked, maybe theirs will.

Accept help to get a high school diploma. Accept help finding a job. Show that your value is being able to listen to and learn from others, then use what you learn to keep going.

I know you can do this. What resources are out there?

[-] Platypus 0 points 4 days ago

No they don't in this city, especially for immigrants. And need money now, not in like 3 years after studying.

[-] bokherif@lemmy.world 2 points 5 days ago

Shit changes really fast. This can be in a good way or bad way. Appreciate the things you have by literally thinking hard about it. Comparison with others can also be either beneficial or detrimental, depending on who you compare yourself to. If you want the thing X in your life, put in the work and you should get closer to it. If you get it, nice. If you don’t, well sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to. That is okay too. No one knows why the fuck they are alive, but at least you are now.

[-] JimmyBigSausage@lemm.ee 2 points 6 days ago

First of all, it is all relative. For example, I grew up in a home where noone hugged or ever said “I love you.” Even though I have learned it was fucked up, I still want love, and crave hugging people. I have learned the more authenthic I am, tye more energy comes my way. I don’t smile usually unless I feel something. And I try not to fake laugh to fit in. I try to contribute in conversations when I actually have something useful to offer. I try to find a dash (or morsel) of humor in everything including being able to laugh at myself. That is the most genuine thing I can offer that people recognize as real and relate to. I also try to stay clean and groomed. And say thank you. That is all I have today.

[-] jet@hackertalks.com 1 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

channel that frustration into efforts to improve your job, health, social standing.

These forces are natural, they are designed to push us toward success, to change a bad situation. It's the human condition.

Let's check the basics, these can also have outsized impact on our mood and outlook:

  1. Are you eating correctly? No sugar, minimal carbs?
  2. Are you sleeping enough?
  3. Are you exercising regularly? Elevated heart rate for at least 3 hours a week
  4. Are you getting regular sunlight?

Don't define your happiness by external factors, once you become at peace with yourself, you will find others appreciate that self confidence you will radiate

[-] paddirn@lemmy.world 0 points 4 days ago

I'm (42M) going through some of that right now, though it's more about getting dumped. A woman I have a child with just dumped me a few weeks ago, seemingly out of nowhere (though we have a history). Everything looked promising, she just finished up her degree in nursing, getting her RN. We have a child together, and she just told me she didn't want to have anything else to do with me, that she was going to move away and that we were through. I'd been supporting her for the past year and even helped her pass her classes by doing classwork for her. It really just feels like I was getting used and now that my usefulness is over, I'm just getting cast aside, like I meant nothing. So I'm feeling like all kinds of shit.

So, if anything, just getting into relationships is not the end-all be-all of life, it can get just as shitty, if not shittier than just staying single. Obviously not all relationships are like that, but it can happen. Being terminally lusty is something that's hard to overcome as a guy, being horny literally feels like a hunger, like you need it just to feel right, I've been there and I'll be there again. However, given your other issues that you're facing, you really need to buckle down and prioritize what you want in life, because being unloved and not being in a physical relationship sounds like the least of your worries.

The sad truth is that women very likely will not find a guy attractive or "worthy" of their love and attention if the guy does not have many prospects (it may be a similar situation for other sexualities, I just know my own experiences, you can probably generalize this to most people will not find someone without prospects as particularly attractive). You didn't say your age, so it's hard to tell where you're at in life. If you're in your 20's or younger, then your situation sounds not that uncommon or insurmountable, but again, you have to apply yourself and start hustling, you need to work on bettering yourself and your situation. If you're in your 30's, you probably made some mistakes along the way and your situation could be the result of some questionable decisions. Without knowing your situation, you're probably still not in too deep of a hole to get yourself out, but it takes commitment and a real desire to change and better yourself, maybe cut out things that have been problematic for you. If you're in your 40's and beyond, I don't really know what to tell you, I'm still figuring that out myself.

I'm not sure that there's anything I can say that makes life any more worth living, it's a question I still find myself struggling with, more-so now than at most other points in my life. At some points in my youth though, I did try to commit suicide. Once I tried to slit my wrists, at another point I tried ingesting poison, obviously both times I failed, unless this is some weird Jacob's Ladder shit and that's why the world sucks so much because I've been dead this whole time. Both times, when I was on the precipice, I realized that I didn't actually want to die. It was like a stupid 180, where I'd do the thing to try to kill myself and instantly realize how stupid I was being and was like, "Holy shit, I don't want to die."

For me now though, I've got kids to think about, as much as I may hate my life and just want to end the whole stupid thing, I still need to watch out for them and hold on for their sake, I've had relatives that have committed suicide and I've seen what it does to those that get left behind and I don't really want to do that to my kids, they deserve to at least have a father around for part of their lives.

[-] Platypus -1 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Dude, I'm aware that women want successful men with money and social skills. That's my point, I'm not any of that and never will, is so much the exact opposite from me and my world. In certain parts of the world men like are "saved" by arranged marriage but that's not my case

[-] BrokenGlepnir@lemmy.world 0 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

All I can say is that life is worth living to me, because I want to live.

Edit: everything I put before was me dumping and I'm sorry, the last sentence is the only one that's important.

this post was submitted on 10 Oct 2024
38 points (85.2% liked)

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