Dating : How long did it take you (not super conventionally attractive) guys and gals to meet somebody?

Dating : How long did it take you (not super conventionally attractive) guys and gals to meet somebody?

I’m (17M) just coming out of my first heartbreak (or going through it, more realistically). She was a close friend, I’ve known her for 7 years, and I’ve liked her every single one of those. She liked me too, but she didn’t want a relationship for fear of it ending badly like her previous ones. She was the only person I’ve ever actually loved, and I’m having a really hard time letting her go, but she’s with somebody else and they’re good for her, and I’m glad that she’s happy. That said, she hurt me pretty bad with some lies and manipulation concerning the person she’s with now, and I can’t be as close to her as I was before.

So let’s cut to the chase. I’m not really physically attractive. I’m very caring, understanding, and (ugh this word makes me cringe now, but) nice. Bit of a comedian sometimes too. I feel like I never invite anybody to see this side of me though, because I’m incredibly socially anxious and withdrawn, and you’re lucky if I gather the courage to ask for homework, much less start a conversation. I know I can make somebody happy, I just don’t know how long that’ll take. And I’ve never been in a real relationship before, just to clear things up.

If you have been or are in the position(s) I’m in, how long did it take you to find somebody? And what are some telltale signs that somebody does actually like you?