@GraceJones
I'm sorry you're still struggling with this. Having weeks where you feel okay shows progress from where you began. Not having had a serious relationship doesn’t make you a loser, though I understand shame can be hard to cope with. In those moments, practising self-compassion is crucial.
Although I don’t think you should focus on men or dating right now, I want to point out that it’s a misconception that the number of times you’re approached directly correlates with how much interest you generate. Most men don’t often, or ever, randomly approach women. I’ve seen studies that say around 60% of single men either have never approached a woman or haven’t in the past year. Of those who do, many only approach if the woman appears "approachable." For example, you could have identical twins, but the one with more confidence or a more outgoing personality might receive way more attention.
Just because no one has approached you doesn’t mean no one is interested as you go about your daily life.
Focus on building self-compassion and self-esteem. Develop a strong connection with what
you like—your body, your walk, your favorite fabrics, styles, colors, favourite cuts, and your interests. When you truly connect with yourself and what makes you feel good, you’ll notice a shift. You’ll feel confident even without external attention. A simple exercise, like listing 10 things you like about yourself, can help. Add 5 more each week until you run out, and read them daily. Go into detail—your personality, sense of humor, and physical traits like eye shape or waistline.
My most radical self compassion exercise if going through a rough period is to track my thoughts 24/7 for a month and think a self-compassionate statement every time I beat myself up over something/bad memory. Talk to yourself as a good friend would. I like to hold my arms as I do it (like a self hug). It's difficult because at first, it might be 30x a day you have to do it, but it reduces to almost nothing by the end.
This is a good book, apologies if I've linked it before:
https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Self-Compassion-Workbook-Yourself-Strength/dp/1462526780/ref=sr_1_4?crid=BL85A9MBYSUW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aUUHGSoalgE7LmmKm5INmG08MUCUeApQrEcALzhk2-H75X0qc4qekmjSsyvmfRx-ASZzR48ZIwm36dOcpcPDFks8UAoDY1Xp7UEAbxJuc6aG-ZgKjMBVZ42K19bNX7kdFSSH42b7rBv4EA4y6qloAFP0l6rd-6HDAkl5_JujQ6cllFeHwksLMewryL1-loII1JvlbCcoHpmk6WNkdg-yS_9L87GQD7qgdJNSlDJXeC0.kjNbAERZXiHm7amivWqn5Ne71k8EcNINcWBgYcoz-ws&dib_tag=se&keywords=self+compassion+kristin+neff&qid=1727774249&sprefix=self+compassion+kr,aps,545&sr=8-4
As you grow in confidence and self-compassion, you’re more likely to find love in the same places you’ll find friends. I recommend joining groups based on shared interests, especially those that attract introverted or reserved people who enjoy connecting, over time, through conversation and activities. You’ll know when you’ve found the right people. If the energy feels off, move on. A mental health support group wouldnt go amiss also just so you can meet some friends who may understand how you're feeling.
By the way, what therapeutic approach is your therapist using?