How do you stop getting attached too quickly when you rarely connect with people
27M. Never been in a relationship before.
A few years ago I had feelings for someone for almost 2 years during college. I cared about her a lot, but I never expressed it properly because I was scared of ruining the friendship we already had. Eventually another guy proposed to her and they got together. It completely broke me emotionally for a long time.
Since then I’ve become very hesitant around women. I overthink everything, get attached too quickly if the vibe feels good, and at the same time I’m scared to open up because I feel like I’ll just get hurt again.
Sometimes I meet people where the conversation flows naturally and I feel a genuine connection, but it often feels one-sided or they’re simply not interested in that way. I don’t blame them, but it does make me wonder if I’m doing something wrong.
I genuinely want to get better at talking to people naturally, forming healthy connections, and not becoming emotionally dependent too fast.
For people who went through something similar, how did you overcome attachment issues and fear of rejection later in life?