I have read through most parts of this thread and decided to say hello, too!
It's amazing how many of the situations and how much of your experience resonate with me haha!
I have been single for almost 5 years. Only recently out of quite unofficial FwB/Friendship situation that left me in pieces, but hey, life goes on! I survived marriage ending so will survive this one, too.
Anyway, back to OLD. In the past I have been on match, pof, recently I downloaded tinder and then bumble. And deleted them pretty soon 
.
I cannot get over the fact how similar all these profiles are! Most men I find attractive enough (and not being picky) seem to be into 1) cycling/running/skiing/rat races 2) travel around the world 3) have kids who 'are their world' 4) have gym/bathroom selfies, often with six packs or other shirtless pictures proudly displayed 5) compulsory 'night out with mates' pictures where most of them obviously look like they have it all in life.
Now, I am open minded and I am sure that a number of these profiles/men are genuine and good blokes, so I did message some of them if something caught my eye in description. Something that shows similar interest, joking side or values similar to mine. But on the other hand these profiles make me wonder - why do people feel such pressure to prove they have 'interesting' life? Yes, I agree that travelling broadens your horizons, being educated is great and usually is a guarantee you will have more topics for discussion. But! At the end of the day, when people talk, they either get on or not, they either click or not, and it has much more to do with what they are like and what they believe in, and how open they are to broaden their experience and share it with someone than if they have 'lifestyle' commonly considered to be 'interesting'.
Also, it can be intimidating for lovely people, who maybe haven't had the chance or are at different life stage to have some of these experiences at this very moment, IYSWIM.
And one more matter age and looks. I am almost 40, so I would think it's reasonable to talk to people aged 35-45. However, I get messages from guys way older than me... which does not make sense, as realistically it just has very low chances of working out!
Lookswise - I am considered to be 'pretty' but I am a bigger girl, size 18/20, tall. Never hide it, I do have fairly accurate and would say nice pictures. I look younger than my age, rather natural and dress well, do my nails and makeup but all within limits of looking natural, certainly not a doll type with fake eyelashes and tan... and in the past I heard compliments from men that this is actually the sort of feminine looks they like. I appreciate that some men prefer more 'done' women, but sometimes I am thinking maybe I should just try harder haha!
I received a message from a guy once, saying: Sorry, I don't do fatties :O. And I thought wtf!
Are you all here pretty and dead attractive, regular gym and beauty parlours goers here? How come normal people form relationships then lol?