Yes. It does require effort to pursue, initiate, and maintain relationships. I’m not saying it doesn’t, but your also not going to have any relationships if you put in no effort. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

The issue isn’t about not having sex. There have been multiple extended, multi-year-long periods of my adult life where I have not been in any relationships or had sex. And you know what? I was fine. I was fine with it most of the time! And most people are, most of the time.

The issue when you’re in a place where you’re experiencing distress from your lack of romantic relationships at the time is not actually about the lack of sex or companionship, it’s that you feel an intense, unnatural pressure to have those things that you don’t. Just take it easy, it’s no good to stress out about this stuff. I’ve also found it’s way easier to pursue relationships when you’re not pressuring yourself about it. Just go with the flow and it will be okay.