I’m 26F and I’ve never been in a relationship. I’ve dated, I’ve had situationships, I’ve had guys want sex, I’ve had guys flirt, but I’ve never actually been chosen. And I’m starting to wonder what that does to a person.
It’s not even that I’m desperate for a relationship. I have a career, friends, hobbies, and I’ve spent years working on myself. But after enough almosts, it’s hard not to internalize the pattern.
I don’t like many people. In fact, it’s pretty rare that I genuinely connect with someone. So when I do, and there’s chemistry, easy conversation, mutual interest, and it feels like there’s something there… I get hopeful. Then it fizzles.
And after enough times, it starts to feel like the common denominator is me. I don’t even date that much anymore. I also am recently diagnosed adhd and have 2 jobs, I’m constantly busy. And burnt out honestly. The hardest part isn’t being single. I like being alone. It’s feeling like I’m always someone people enjoy for a while, but never someone they actually choose to build something with.
I know people will say, “You just haven’t met the right person yet,” but after 26 years it’s hard not to wonder if there’s something about me that makes people stop just short of commitment.
Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you stop interpreting every almost-relationship as proof that you’re fundamentally unchoosable?
I’m not looking for “just love yourself” advice. I’m genuinely asking how you stop carrying that belief when your lived experience seems to keep reinforcing it.
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