I’ve never been married and I’m terrified of the dating environment.
Actually,turned-off is more like it. Dating is not fun,even though it’s supposed to be. :(
PBF, please don't give up. There are many decent guys out there going through the same apprehension you are.
You know how I met my gf. Almost everyone I know met their GF/BF/spouse not from a initial formal date as strangers but through mutual interest and hobbies and most were friends first. Initial dates when both parties are strangers for the most part are as you say scary and most don't work out no matter what eharmony and match.com say.
A friend of mine who I hike with on the local trails is in his early 30's, never married and was also about to give up. He volunteers a few Saturday's each month for 3-4 hours at the local state park as a trail nature guide. He met his gf last year when there was a volunteer clean up from the winter storms and she also happened to volunteer. They worked together all day and they went out for coffee afterwards and they just hit if off.
Most people say they met their mate when they least expected it. The key is to be out doing something you enjoy and that really takes the pressure off and breaks the ice.
I belong to a local runners group and can't tell you how many people have met there. Mutual interest brings people together.
Thank you for the PM.
Mrs Bear and I were both divorced and through with “the dating scene.”
I had gone to night clubs but soon became convinced I had “freak magnet” tattooed on my forehead.
Mrs Bear and I found each other after we quit looking and simply got on with living.
—Dating is not fun,even though it’s supposed to be. :(—
It is if your only goal is to get into someone’s pants. (Thinking back to when I was very young...