I'm 36 and long term single. I never seem to meet anyone in real life, so over the summer I started trying OLD, and I've been on dates with 9 men, none of which have really led to much - a few second/third dates that fizzled out into nothing, a few guys that I just didn't have any spark with at all.
I know I haven't really been trying it all that long, but I feel like giving up because the whole process makes me feel terrible. You can't really take your time to get to know anyone, there are some really creepy guys (instantly blocked), some who seem nice and then flake when you arrange to meet up or even suggest a second/third date and then ghost you. I've never been the most outgoing person & have struggled with anxiety in the past, and I find the messaging part so draining - although the meeting in person part is fine, it's just the crap you have to sift through to get there! Frequently want to give up on the whole thing, but I also have this constant low level worry in the back of my mind that if I don't keep trying, I'm not giving myself a chance of settling down or having children.
Everyone I know who has found a partner in their 30s seems to have found them online, but I just don't think I can do it any more. I meet a fair few people through work, I'm part of a sports group, have done evening classes etc, and no prospects there - seems like online is the only option, but I don't think I can hack it. How do you know when to quit, or any tips for managing to do it while also staying sane?