Feeling like giving up on dating
Basically what the title says. I’m not sure why I’m posting here other than to vent a bit. Thank you for reading.
I’ve been single for 8 years except for a few flings here and there. Nothing seems to stick. I’m 34 F and I just ended another dating situation because the guy was completely lukewarm and there was no real chemistry despite me trying my best to build it. We went on 7 dates but I really didn’t seem to be a priority for him like he’d text me once or twice a day at the most.
All the guys I’ve dated in the past 8 years (since my long term relationship who I lived with and almost married) have been either closed off emotionally, lukewarm, only interested in sex, or ghosted me. I guess I’m the problem because people never seem to feel a deeper romantic connection to me or want to try to move things forward even when I want to. I’ve had quite a few first and second dates with guys who have said they don’t feel a romantic connection. I know this is just what dating is like in 2026 but it’s killing me.
I have come to absolutely HATE online dating. It’s so emotionally taxing and it never leads to anything serious. It’s a ton of work for literally no benefit - just feeling bad at the end of the day. I’m super introverted so meeting someone IRL may be next to impossible. I don’t know what to do anymore but I feel a new sense of calm now slowly accepting that love might never actually happen for me. I never expected to be 34 and single with no prospects. For the record I am told I am quite attractive and take care of myself and I have hobbies like playing sports and a good career, but overall it feels like I’m not enough for these guys. :(