To date or not to date?

Hey everyone :) i’m a 29 year old single woman. I’ve been single for a year now after breaking off my 4 year relationship. I broke up with my ex because although he had some good qualities, he could be nice, attentive and funny, he also had bad ones, he was unambitious, had anger issues, boundary issues and was insecure and controlling.

It was a really tough breakup for me because we had been friends for years before we started dating so he was in my life for almost a decade. The first 6 months after the breakup was really hard, but i’m doing really well now. I’ve just been focusing on my physical and mental health, my career, doing hobbies and seeing friends. But i haven’t gone out on a single date.

The thing is i really struggle with dating. My ex was the only man i was ever in a relationship and was sexually intimate with. I really can’t imagine having sex with anyone else. The idea sounds so scary to me. They have to see me NAKED!? How can i be vulnerable with someone like that again? Not just physically but emotionally. I had a difficult childhood (parent died when i was 12, was treated poorly by family members and friends, lived in poverty, struggled with mental health issues etc) so i have a hard time getting close to and trusting people. Thats why i only have 2 close friends. And also because I’m extremely introverted.

Thats another problem. Where the hell am i supposed to meet guys?? The only places i go to are restaurants, the movies and the mall. I do get hit on a lot by men when i do go to these places but i don’t feel comfortable just handing out my number to some random i met at a mall. Oh and dating apps. God i fucking hate dating apps. All they ever comment on is my physical appearance despite me having really good prompts. And all the conversations are always so dull and boring like please i know you’re just tryna fuck but just make me laugh once or something idk.

But anyways, back to my original question, should i even be dating right now? Sometimes i really miss having a boyfriend, but i’m also happy being singe right now. But also i have people telling me that i’m running out of time and that i’ll never be this beautiful and that i have a year before i expire and become old and hideous.

I really don’t know. What do you guys think?