Self-Acceptance is the missing component, Luke.
I've seen alot of posters come and go over the years, but Luke is definately one of more interesting characters to come here.
When I signed on to sosuave in July 2000, I was a 25 year old wuss who had had nothing but pity sex a whopping 2 times.
I'm now 31, a happily married father of a 5 week old son, with a good career and a small, but faithful social circle. I am truly happy with who I am and where my life is going.
In the most simplistic of terms, here's what I did to go from "there" to "here".
1. I exorcised all of the negative people from my life. I graduated in 2000 and moved from Baton Rouge to Dallas. Ceased contact with almost all friends and associates, male and female. I love my mother dearly, but being free from her overbearing clutches helped me live and think for myself.
2. I found an alternate Source for genuine intimacy in life. I once heard a minister say that people abuse sex because they are searching for the type of genuine intimacy they can only get from having a personal relationship with God. I did ALOT of soul searching and I realized it was'nt sex I was searching for, it was ACCEPTANCE.
3. I dedicated myself to self-improvement I pay better attention to physical appearance (crucial) . I workout more. I learned to play the guitar. I've started an intenet business. Made efforts to improve social skills (crucial) . I got accepted to a prestigious grad school and am pursuing my masters.
4. I slowly reintroduced myself back into society I got myself OUT THERE. Joined a community service group. Tried internet dating (not recommended for you). Made a handful of NEW, GENUINE, REAL FRIENDS. Went to few coworker's parties. Met my wife at one of those parties.
You don't have to do everything I did specifically but you get the gist of it. Let's recap:
1. Kick ALL of the negative people out of your life.
2. Find an alternate source other than sex to find the intimacy and self-acceptance you're obviously starving for.
3. Dedicate yourself to self-improvement.
4. Slowly re-introduce yourself back into society as a new and improved Luke Skywalker.
It may not get you laid, but man you'll be soooooooooo much happier with who you are.
Hope things work out for you.