After dating for a while and trying to actually find something real... I am so traumatized that I'm too scared to even try to get back out there again. Anyone feel the same?

I am picky. That's what makes it hard. Dating is easy and fun until you start growing feelings in an environment where no one wants to get serious or is always looking for something better.

Take a break when it's not fun. Go back to dating when you feel like it again. Adding a romantic partner to your life is a bonus, not a necessity.

Be more picky don't just go on any date for the sake of dating

Maybe go to networking events or meetups for professionals - I believe someone who takes time to invest in their professional life may do the same in a relationship.

There are actually people out there saying that a relationship should be viewed as a Joint Venture. Neither party should put in more than the other and expect to get out more than putting in. And once the romance, sex and tight skin start fading away then it is your common interest in making the endeavor successful that will keep you going til death does you part.

Fish Bowl Group Meeting?

I've met people at bars and lounges and done some online dating. I've gone on a lot of dates with guys and there were only two that really caught my eye that I continued to date. After a while - it all went to crap ultimately because they weren't looking for anything serious and I wasn't comfortable with continuing because if I was honest with myself- I wanted to be more than just some meaningless thing that was around because he was bored.

I don't agree. For most people companionship is a necessity of life. It's hard wired in us. OP - how are you meeting people? I'm in the same boat. I wish there were a way to cut through the BS so you know you are already on the same page and the rest is up to chemistry. I heard eHarmony is the only one for that if you're ok with online meeting. Intense screening and interview; matches likes and dislikes. I find trial and error at a bar to be so tiring

Recently been on a date and the guy expects everything to be 50/50. How can that be? It's not a business negotiation or so it seems nowadays. I wouldn't want to be w someone like that. When u love and care for someone, it should be 100% or more

FBGM!

How bout FBSS?

Stop using dating apps

I feel like it's a numbers game though. You don't meet someone you have a connection with immediately. You have to go on like 10 dates and if you're lucky there will be at least one that you have a connection with. Previous experience shows me that. The more people you meet, the higher the possibility. I'm not the type of person to sleep around either. Sometimes all you want to do is find a connection with someone - it can get lonely when you're so used to investing in yourself and your career. Drinking all the time and getting hit on at bars and clubs also gets old. Sometimes you just want one person to cuddle with or watch some Netflix with and someone that just gets you.

Aren't you cute. I have Hulu and Amazon Prime but a gf who I met on FB. Sometimes you find a connection in the weirdest places without looking.

Dating along with everything is about a positive mindset and attitude. Keep positive and you will end up in a positive, loving relationship. Best of luck to you.