I turn 22 in a month and I’m EXHAUSTED from romance. I had my first relationship and first major heartbreak when I was 20 and it has simply not gotten better. I’ve tried the whole focus on yourself thing multiple times, and it’s great, but also there comes a point where I crave romantic connection so badly that I can’t ignore it. I’ve had 0 luck trying to meet men out and about, at bars, museums, local stores, downtown/the market, etc. And I’m beyond exhausted with dating apps, because all that’s ever gotten me is men who play with my feelings and hurt me, so my apps have been deleted for a couple weeks now.
There’s this guy (24m) I saw briefly and still really like, but he’s given me nothing but mixed messages and I don’t like feeling like I’m trying to force a connection, but my feelings for him make it nearly impossible to find other men attractive. And what sucks is that I think we’d be really good together if given the chance, and I haven’t felt like that about anyone else for 2 years now.
I don’t know, man. I know that I’m young, but I’m starting to feel hopeless and while I try to spend as much time with friends and family as possible, and I try to put as much time and care into myself as possible, I’m still feeling lonely, and when I see everyone around getting into relationships, getting married, having kids, it makes me feel like I’m falling behind, and it makes me feel even more alone.
How can I stay hopeful and positive when it feels like love & romance are never happening for me?