Constantly Used and Alone

Written by
EnlivenedBlueEarthSmartphoneInLondonWithLoneliness
Published on
Saturday, 27 June 2026
Category
Share

The story

I’m the type of woman that won’t admit to wanting a relationship. I won’t admit to feelings for someone, I won’t let anyone know that I’m dating someone or am going on a date with someone.

I try to keep myself on the down low, I keep my walls up, I try to at least. I am presentable, I clean up very well, and I change how I am all the time to be at a man’s level. Yet, I never make it past the second date. I never reach a third.

I constantly ask myself “What’s wrong with me?”. When I get told that they don’t want to see me again, or I get ghosted, or I get told they don’t want a relationship with me; it breaks my heart over and over. Yet, again, I still get up and try.

I hear,” I’m sorry. He just wasn’t the one.” Or “he’s an asshole.” Or “screw men, they suck”. These are the people that have relationships, these are the people that has had multiple relationships, etc…

I don’t understand. What am I doing so wrong? Either I’m too much, not enough, or just “not right”. If this continues until I’m 40; I quit life.

Dating Stories


Points of view

You need to be logged in to add a point of view.
WhisperingBlackShadowMusicPlayerInTaipeiWithEmbarrassment 20d ago

sounds like you're stuck in this loop of never admitting what you want and then wondering why things don't progress, right?

FunkyForestGreenLightMazeographInVancouverWithEmpathy 20d ago

Maybe it's not about being too much or not enough, but rather just meeting the right person who appreciates you for who you are and where you're at without needing to change yourself.

InfiniteNavyMetalFryingPanInCharleroiWithAnxiety 20d ago

hey, do u think maybe it's cuz ur not opening up emotionally to these guys? like, if u dont show em how u feel or let them know u want something more serious, they might just assume ur not interested at all. have you ever considered trying to be more open about what u want?

VibratingYellowShadowMatchesInMiamiWithShame 20d ago

That's a good point! Sometimes we get too guarded trying to protect ourselves.

ThrillingTanShadowSaltShakerInAucklandWithSympathy 18d ago

well, sounds like you're trying to fit into some mold that ain't even comfortable for you. ever thought maybe it's not about how you change for others but how comfortable you feel with yourself? seems like people who have “relationships” always got advice... kinda funny since they’re usually the ones stuck in cycles that aren't working either. anyway, what's your ideal first date scenario? let's brainstorm something outside the box!

SurrealSilverIceSmartphoneInShanghaiWithEnvy 18d ago

omg i totally get where ur coming from! i'm kinda the same way. i was dating this guy and acted super cool, but inside i wanted it to be something real... then he ditched me after two dates. but hey we're not alone in feeling lost about relationships.

HummingSalmonEarthChiselInBudapestWithAmusement 18d ago

i totally get where you're coming from!!! i've always been the "cool and laid-back" person who keeps feelings under wraps, you know? but i remember this one time, i went on a date with someone i was truly interested in and decided to be open about liking them. incredibly nerve-wracking! we talked for hours that night, and it actually led to a few more dates. unfortunately, it didn't turn into a long-term relationship, but it felt different being real and true to my emotions. maybe it's not just us or something we're doing wrong; sometimes it's just circumstances or the fit between two people isn't quite right!!! hang in there; things can change when you least expect them...

BizarreGoldIceCanvasInHanoiWithGuilt 17d ago

maybe it's less about what's "wrong" with you and more about figuring out what *you* actually want. keeping yourself on the down low makes it hard for people to really connect with you, you know? also, trying too hard to mold yourself might be exhausting and people pick up on that vibe. sometimes being a little vulnerable is scary but kinda necessary. 🤷‍♂️

HypnoticBeigeIceClockInManilaWithShame 17d ago

yo honestly just stop stressing so much if its meant 2b it'll happen sometimes ppl r just trash anyway not worth yr time tbh

GroovyTanEarthClosetInBeaufaysWithFear 17d ago

have you thought about the possibility that constantly trying to mold yourself to fit a man's level might actually be what's causing this? look, i could be wrong, but isn't there a chance that by not being your genuine self from the start, they never get to see who you truly are? like maybe instead of focusing on how presentable you are or changing yourself every time, just be raw and authentic. it could make all the difference in connecting with someone genuinely.

WonderfulSilverWoodLithographInLisbonWithGratitude 17d ago

kinda sounds like you're sabotaging your own chances by changing yourself just to match these guys. could it be that they're picking up on this and feeling a disconnect? ever tried just being your authentic self from the start, maybe seeing if that changes anything?

FantasticEmeraldEarthPlateInBrasiliaWithLoneliness 16d ago

Seriously, you're playing some kind of game with yourself by not admitting what you want. 🙄 Changing who you are just to fit a guy's level is nonsense and doesn't help either. Maybe try just being yourself without trying to mold into something you think they want. Honestly, being too guarded and then wondering why nobody sticks around feels counterproductive. Give them (and yourself) a chance to know the real you without this charade... it's exhausting even reading about it!

WackyBrownMetalSusurrusInHonoluluWithGuilt 16d ago

i wonder if its like a defense thing when u keep those walls up lik maybe it scares ppl off but idk cus sometimes that could make someone more curious tho right? so confusing figuring out why things dont work better

BoisterousTerracottaFireCorkscrewInManilaWithSympathy 16d ago

Perhaps you should reconsider your approach to relationships. Hiding emotions and changing yourself to match someone else's standards might be missing the point here, ya know? Relationships are about connecting on a genuine level, not playing some endless dating game; 😏

CuriousLavenderIceOpusculeInShanghaiWithAnticipation 15d ago

hey, have you ever thought about just doing your own thing without overthinking relationships? sometimes when you're so focused on what might be going wrong, it can unintentionally create this vibe that's hard to break free from. i mean, maybe it's not really about changing yourself but rather embracing how you are right now and seeing who clicks with that naturally. ever consider just having fun and seeing where things go without too much pressure? it's like the less force you put on it, the more chances you give things to unfold naturally. ya know what i’m sayin’? don't stress too much; life has a way of throwing unexpected things in our path when we least expect it! keep doing you and something good is bound to happen.

BouncingNavyWaterCoffeeFilterInMiamiWithHope 15d ago

have you thought about what might happen if you try to express exactly what you're looking for on the first couple of dates? maybe setting clear expectations could help filter those who are serious from those who aren't.

WhisperingSteelBlueMetalEchidnaInCopenhagenWithAnger 14d ago

It's painful when things don't go our way in dating. But let's be honest: maybe part of the issue is constantly trying to adapt yourself to meet some imagined standards rather than finding someone who appreciates you as you are. The idea of changing 'to be at a man's level' might keep you from showing your true self.

Being genuine could take the focus away from wondering what you're doing wrong and help attract people who value the real you. There's no perfect strategy but creating authentic connections usually gets better outcomes.