Persistence: do I just have too high standards?

[Guitarisgood]

It hit home when my sister and mum were discussing my dating life and how bad it was. Her reasoning was because I am not persistent when interested in any one particular girl. Thing is she's right. After a pretty bad break-up (my naive nice guy self back in the days) and a bad run of meeting woman, I'd become skeptical about dating as a whole. As such I can honestly admit I've turned myself into a bit of a 'ladies man'. Plenty of female friends but none I take too seriously. I don't see love and feelings as anything more than a change in dynamics etc which I can say is pretty bad on my behalf. Furthermore where I use to be that persistent guy - to a degree where woman loved it - I am not anymore and will simply move on.

 

I now look back and wonder have I simply just set too high a standard for the woman I'm looking to meet? Or have I simply been too shy, not made enough of an effort or just let other things in life take precedence on my dating life. I have many many hobbies on top of study and work but still find the time to socialise. The only standard I have with a girl is that our personalities 'connect' and she has interests in the outdoors and adventure; is that too much to ask?

 

I've been single for a while now and to be honest it doesn't affect me that much because I'm pretty content. But I guess I am feeling the pressure from the outside where everyone is all relation'd up and wondering why I'm not while I plan holidays gallivanting around the world.

 

What do you guys think? Have I maybe lost that 'edge' in me that use to chase woman and meet woman or should I just be more patient and let life go as it will? I know I'm only in my early twenties and have my whole life ahead of me but basically every friend I have is in a relationship.

[NateC]

I'm in a similar boat only recently beginning the early stages of a relationship while most of my friends are in committed long-term ones. Just be happy with yourself as that's the most important things. Sometimes the unexpected happens.