Thanks for the (mostly) great advice everyone.
It's not rape if she can't say no
Ples, while I'm sure your intentions are honorable, and I can understand how your little "fact" might have some disturbing technical merit, I fail to see its relevance here. Thanks anyway though.
Pianistimo, I appreciate your comments tremendously. Concerning my situation, and in light of your comments, it's not so much that I place the act of kissing on a pedestal, but that in my conceptual framework and understanding of relationships and romance, kissing is the first physical indication of real romantic feelings. This first step is what I'm striving for.
My working schedule is somewhat hectic, but in the few "relationships" I've been in, a "chemistry" was never felt on her part. Perhaps I was unable to cultivate romance, or sexual attraction. In almost all cases, I seem to fit the role of the "friend" or "therapist" more than a romantic partner. Ergo, no kiss.
However, I never let this problem become any more than mere vexation, or minor dissatisfaction.
With so many other various facets of life, in the larger spectrum my little dilemma is reduced to the gnat that flies up ones nose every so often during spring, then simply goes away, or is crushed by a violent nose-blow. It does bother me though, when I see young couples madly in love during that season, or even teenagers dating, and think, "Am I missing out on something?!"
Do you play in a restaurant/bar ? May be you should do that, you play for them, you will meet some people etc.
And btw, may I ask you if you had ever sex with a woman in your life?
I do play in many local venues, include clubs and restaurants, but seldom do I find people to talk to or connect with. Everyone seems to have their own agenda, and it is rare if I ever fit into it.
No, I have never had sex (That would be something, if I achieved that, but not the kiss!).
A little off-topic, do you have a website or a place where I can hear you playing?
I'm a classical pianist but love jazz (f.e. I adore Oscar Peterson)
Franz_, Due to my busy work schedule, I haven't had the time or knowledge to create and maintain a website. However, I have worked and recorded as a sideman and leader on several cd's. I'd be happy to post an mp3 in the auditions room (I'm a huge Peterson fan as well).
And Ted, you make some very insightful comments, and ask some important questions as well.
I would tend to ask the converse question - why has one of them not kissed you ? If the women around here are anything to go by I wonder why you are not fighting them off.
Well Ted, in my experience, I have had no problems igniting a relationship. Confidence has never been a problem, nor has shyness or lack of imagination. However, that word (ignite) is misleading. It would imply that "chemistry" was felt, which never seemed to be the case for them.
Perhaps you are reading much more into it than necessary and your mental state somehow shows.
I have exhausted the glib, intuitive approach; I never had a problem listening politely and responding empathetically to females. This is a trait I have always naturally brought to courtship. I have found though, that this not only compartmentalizes my role into the pseudo-therapist but also negates any romantic, "sexy" atmosphere. My own interests (Proust, Joyce, knitting, opera) do nothing to fan the flames of sex or romance either.
I'm still not about to force myself on a woman, although I'm sure Ples might recommend it highly.
Thanks again for all of the helpful comments, and I greatly appreciate any thoughts or advice on the matter!