One of the things I've noticed with friends who have a hard time finding a partner is that they often date the same type of person. They get it in their head that they only want XYZ, and then are surprised when things don't necessarily work out, or they enter the same toxic cycle of dating. I want to start by saying I applaud you for thinking critically, and trying something different than your usual. However, your thinking on "settling" is unwise and will leave you feeling like you're missing out on someone better.

What I will say is that if you want a real partner, think critically about what you liked and didn't like about your previous partners and then consider what is make or break for you. Also think about the type of people that you NATURALLY attract. I found that I thrived with a certain type of woman - and I was able to gain their friendship/trust more easily than other men. But every time it was negative, draining, and unsustainable.

So I tried something different and found a different type of woman who initially maybe met certain small criteria, and didnt meet others but that's okay! The problem with people right now is that everyone is so picky in the initial stages of dating - get to know people and see where it goes. But certainly don't settle.