How to get over the guilt of coming out too late?

Alright,

First, the facts. I am certainly gay, and have known this since I was about 8, and realized what it meant since about 12. Second, I didn't come out until I was 22. Coming out was pretty easy - my family, having another gay son, kinda knew what the deal was. They're not all 'let's go to a Pride Parade' but they accept me.

Regardless, I'm starting to feel 'guilty' about coming out when I did.

I feel like I've missed so much in trying to hide who I truly was. Avoiding having any sort of relationships; with a girl because I know I'd be lying or with a guy because then I would have 'outed' myself well before I was comfortable.

I avoided the culture as a whole because I was so afraid of someone finding out, even going so far as to hide my I-Pod, because, heaven forbid someone finds my Lady Gaga or Katy Perry on there. :P

Going back to the relationship part, I'm still a virgin in pretty much every regard. I've never had anything come close to a relationship; never even had my 'first kiss'.

Now that I've finally come out a few months ago (I'm 22), I feel like I've missed all these 'milestones' that I should have reached when I was younger. I don't even know where to begin and honestly don't even feel like trying. I'm a relatively attractive guy but, I don't have the confidence or drive to get out there and meet anyone or experience the culture.

On top of that I'm dreading the day, should it come, that I actually meet someone because I have *absolutely* no clue what I'm doing.

The city I'm in has a small but, active scene so it's not like I'm not able to do things.

I guess what I'm asking is, how the hell do I get out of this rut I'm in? I'm depressed for not coming out sooner and missing so many opportunities, and missing these opportunities only makes me more depressed. I know it's far from over but, how do I bring myself to actually get out there?

Answer on How to get over the guilt of coming out too late?

I came out in my 30's, hon. You go at your own pace, and don't worry about what you 'should' have done. Don't "should" on yourself, as a friend of mine once said.

You haven't really missed anything. Unlike people who start early, you've still got the best milestones ahead of you. People who come out young, like kids who start having sex too early, often don't appreciate the first kiss, the first mutual attraction, etc.

How to get out there? Start going to Pride festivals. Talk to people involved in community activities. Start volunteering -- get involved in glbt rights, take meals to people with AIDS, get involved with the anti-suicide hotlines like the Trevor project.. the best way to meet other people is to get outside yourself and think about others. I'm a shy late-bloomer, too. It isn't easy to go out once you've come out.. but stop worrying about the past and decide what you're going to do with your future.