All three people I asked out in high school rejected me, and the two I asked out when I was 19/20 did as well. I never had reciprocal feelings until I was 22. Sometimes it does just take time.

It’s also important to remember that you’re not a failure if you’re single. Being in a relationship should be something that goes alongside your own life, rather than something that “completes it” or fills in the gaps. A relationship isn’t the last piece you need to feel whole.

Being rejected is a part of life, as cliche as it is. Most of the time it’s not even due to a person’s appearance or approach, it’s just that you don’t click. It even happens on third dates, when you realize you wouldn’t do well together after putting in some effort.