I've had a really hard time dating in my mid twenties. I live in the suburbs of a decently sized US city (college town), but I'm starting to feel totally lost when it comes to meeting someone.

For a little bit of context, the last serious relationship I had was nearly three years ago. Since then I think I've become a more mature person, but I just haven't met anyone that mutually likes me. I'm nearing the end of grad school and I'll be moving around a year from now, so I'll have time to think about what to do next.

I go on dates somewhat often: maybe once every month or two. I've only been out with a handful of people I'd say I was genuinely very attracted to, who had little interest in me. Instead, most of my dates end with the fade on both sides after meeting up 2-3 times, though I've certainly tried to push things with the knowledge that knowing new people just takes time and you have to be open to someone that's not immediately obviously right for you.

Most recently, I went out with someone I (thought I) really liked, and the date was just terrible: she was kind of mean to me (making jokes at my expense), full of snark, etc.., and then wrote me this generic rejection text the next day that made me feel pretty shitty.

I realized the reason I felt bad about it was that I really missed being in a relationship, and that I'm afraid I've been going through my life completely unaware of how to find a good match for myself. If I'm being honest, I really haven't met someone I felt a strong relationship-y bond with in a very very long time, and I'd really like that again.

But now, I'm not really sure what to do, where to go, or where I might find the kind of woman I really want to meet.
user
I'm scared I'm never going to meet a woman
assistant
I've had a really hard time dating in my mid twenties. I live in the suburbs of a decently sized US city (college town), but I'm starting to feel totally lost when it comes to meeting someone.

For a little bit of context, the last serious relationship I had was nearly three years ago. Since then I think I've become a more mature person, but I just haven't met anyone that mutually likes me. I'm nearing the end of grad school and I'll be moving around a year from now, so I'll have time to think about what to do next.

I go on dates somewhat often: maybe once every month or two. I've only been out with a handful of people I'd say I was genuinely very attracted to, who had little interest in me. Instead, most of my dates end with the fade on both sides after meeting up 2-3 times, though I've certainly tried to push things with the knowledge that knowing new people just takes time and you have to be open to someone that's not immediately obviously right for you.

Most recently, I went out with someone I (thought I) really liked, and the date was just terrible: she was kind of mean to me (making jokes at my expense), full of snark, etc.., and then wrote me this generic rejection text the next day that made me feel pretty shitty.

I realized the reason I felt bad about it was that I really missed being in a relationship, and that I'm afraid I've been going through my life completely unaware of how to find a good match for myself. If I'm being honest, I really haven't met someone I felt a strong relationship-y bond with in a very very long time, and I'd really like that again.

But now, I'm not really sure what to do, where to go, or where I might find the kind of woman I really want to meet.
user
Met a girl I really liked, date was terrible,
assistant