aspalas said:
because let's be honest, it's almost impossible to be 34 and never had any romantic connection when you try real hard.
Yet, the group of the so-called "Absolute Beginner" is growing in numbers very fast... showing that these days, shyness and lack of experience can throw you out of the race pretty early. There are a lot of them around his age, some very older, some very younger...
Some people blame the media, the internet or modern society itself, but the fact is, that it is far away from being an impossible fate, these days.
It may not be too late to try, but if he truly wants to give up, than we have to respect his decision for himself.
The positive aspect of this decision is mostly the freedom you get. Now, you can really do anything that (nearly) no female will like. Like some of my classmates in university, you can become the one who beats the system. Getting all Pokemon as a grown up, not caring what others may think. Going to knight festivals, replaying historical battles, get a harem in every Eroge, or escape from reality into fiction and games. Just kidding, even if it wouldn't matter at all... because one day, we all may get old enough to live in our own little world (aging, you are a scary one)
Of course, the point is that you can ignore wasted efforts and focus your energy on what you truly like. Wanna have your own little zoo? A japanese-style garden? Paint pictures? Write novels? Whatever it is, you will have a lot time for it, so use it. Who knows, you may even find your passion in it and who knows, this passion may even attract a girl when you at least expect it. And well, even after 40, it isn't unusual to find someone... so my last advice: Expect nothing, but be grateful about what you get.