As for chess, when I was around 11 or 12, I could have formed relationships with some of the few local girl players my age. My awkwardness really messed that up, because years later some told me that they had liked me, but found my awkwardness and anxious demeanour quite off-putting.

If I had found girlfriends from chess much younger, I probably would not be stuck in the rut that I am now at 30.