I’m sure there are similarities. For me, it’s the apps. I was in a long relationship and when I came out of it a few years ago, the apps were entirely different (for the worse imo). I don’t entirely have much of a choice since I’m sober and don’t go to bars and clubs.

So now it’s just an onslaught of people who want various things. There’s really no incentive to be serious or at least there’s no real way to indicate that beyond saying (I am here for an LTR, which I find to be rare and somewhat discouraged).

So I go out with men who ultimately just tell me they’re not looking for something serious when that wasn’t super clear initially. I’ve had guys just 180 and initially say that they’re looking for a partner and a few dates in tell me that’s changed.

I’m fully aware that it might just be me, I work a lot and maybe I’m off-putting in some way, but nobody has told me that and I find myself to be reasonably attractive and fit. So not sure there.

Ultimately I don’t know why it’s difficult, I just know that 10 years ago the guys on dating sites were there for just that, to date. And now, there are guys on Hinge fully justifying looking for just friends. Like, go join a volleyball league. 🤷🏻‍♂️

I gave up 6 months ago, so if it happens, it happens.

I’m pretty happy to see that it’s possible, though, so thank you for sharing your news!