I've never been in a relationship with a woman. I've been told I'm too clingy

'I find socialising difficult to the point of being distressing.' Photograph: Forest Woodward/Getty Images/Vetta

I'm a student in my early 20s and have never been in a romantic relationship with a woman. I've been told by those who have been the targets of my affection that I'm too clingy. I don't know how to overcome this. I find socialising difficult to the point of being distressing, and have no hobbies that bring me into contact with others. So whenever I become close to somebody, I feel I have to let her know I'm interested. This has the opposite effect to that intended, and pushes those I'm interested in away from me. The more this happens, the more depressed and withdrawn I become – and the more desperate I feel.

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