DEAR ABBY: I'm in my mid-20s. I've done a lot in my life that I'm proud of. But one nagging issue I have is that I have never been in a relationship or even been kissed.
At first I felt proud of my independence and for not throwing myself into silly relationships. But as I see my friends enter new phases of their lives that I haven't experienced -- a first kiss, a significant other, love and marriage -- it's increasingly harder to not feel left behind.
I have a hard time talking to my friends about it because I don't want them to think of me as self-pitying. If the subject arises, I make a flippant comment and move on.
I have tried waiting for the other person to make the first move. I have also tried being bold and direct. I throw myself into work and hobbies. But when every song, TV show and movie fixates on romantic love, it's hard to not personalize it.
In addition to asking for your advice, I'd like to pose a question to your readers: Are any of you in the same boat? And if so, what do you do to cope? -- TRYING TO COPE IN WASHINGTON
DEAR TRYING: It's time to talk frankly with your male and female friends and ask them for some honest input. I don't know whether you are simply a late bloomer -- many people are -- or whether you are trying too hard and sending out "desperate" signals that drive people away. But of this I am certain: You are not alone in this lonely boat. Readers?