Dating with strangers?

Do You think it`s normal? I`m 26, and am petrified of dating, but lately I am considering an offer of joining this "dating club", because sometimes I feel lonely ( and need someone to love and be loved back), and I can`t listen to mean comments from my relatives and neighbors. They all keep repeating solitude is horrible. Is it o.kay that I couldn`t find someone in my surroundings (there were always nice young men there, but I seem to scare off those who don`t scare off me.)? Any suggestion?