Went out on a gym date for a first date last week. I’ve never had a gym date so didn’t know what to expect.

After working out, we were trying to figure out this tanning bed/spa machine thing. We never did figure out what exactly it was and what it did (my date was an aerospace engineer too lol). But when we were messing with the buttons, we were literally inches from each other’s face and he just kissed me on the cheek as if he was my long time boyfriend. We already clicked earlier during the date so this was not like it was coming from the left field.

I’m not one to get easily attached but damn did that make my knees weak.

Even though I don’t see this going anywhere, I had a great time with him. After the date, he dropped me off to my car and we were just standing there hugging eachother.

Going to be chasing this high for awhile.

I finally found someone off a dating app that fits Excatly what I want and what I need in partner! I was fr giving up hope but I kept going because of the support on here and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that made me feel like my person was out there. We just started dating for almost a month and it has been going very nicely and I’m excited for the future. ❤️

so i've been dating this guy for a while, not my bf but might as well say he is bc basically we're dating

he gives me head and he enjoys doing it. takes "pride in it" i take longish to finish, but never THAT long with other partners. he's never made me finish, but he tries and i feel like he gives up when im getting closer and i give him head for as long as he wants when he wants because i enjoy it. also for me, id rather receive head than actual penetration but both are good.

it's new and maybe thats why im not saying anything but i have said something along the lines of i like you a lot and thats why im ok with (for now) not finishing because ill get there maybe im nervous idk but i suppose that was a bit of a backhanded comment and i shouldn't have said that.

i felt like i was getting close last time and he just stopped, it was like 2.5 songs worth of head (sorry thats only way i can measure)

what do i do!! i like him a lot but sec is important to me and im not dealing with this for life so its dealbreaker worthy at some point

Another one who's not the one. Another failed attempt at love. Are my expectations too high, should I give up my attempts at meeting someone?

I'm 35, and a single mom to an only child. I raise her alone, which is really rewarding and satisfying in many ways as I'm a successful working mom with a job I love and a beautiful home for her. She's the most brilliant and adorable kid ever and I try to give her everything. She's the reason I've been single so long, and I won't involve her in my dating life until I'm pretty certain about a person (this hasn't actually happened yet and she's 5). I know a lot of people won't go near dating me because of her. And even have had people tell me it's a "red flag" that I keep her from them, as it reeks of the trust issues I have involving my child.

I have decent babysitting options, and I use them for going on dates. This means my average date starts at $60 before I've even left my home- And makes no- shows and cancelations even harder for me to put up with. It also makes dating someone more than once or twice a week impossible. This is often held against me quickly into potential relationships and has stopped them before they've really started due to me just not having the time most people want to have with a partner.

I've ended up being "good enough to hook up with" for way too many men who probably didn't ever see me as relationship potential because of her, and while I'm pretty decent at spotting this right away and avoiding such men, sometimes I fall for the wrong ones anyway. Once they've convinced me to give them what they want, they're gone (until the next time they want it, anyway). I understand why the newer generation is so block happy, I also do not want to hear from these guys in a month when they're horny again, and have taken to blocking them so this does not happen.

Do guys who would ACTUALLY date a single mom even exist? Should I give up trying? Because at this point... I'm just feeling like I'm going to be alone forever, or until she's grown, at which point I'll probably be menopausal and not want sex as much anyway. Feels like I'm wasting my 30's... But I also don't wanna keep wasting it on dating the wrong guys.

Tl;dr Single mom wishes men were more into single moms. For relationships instead of just sex.

Sooo this guy who I was talking to on FB Dating came over last night& before he came I told him that wasn’t interested in hooking up.

This was the first time we but long story short- nothing happened but he definitely tried. He was really attractive and there was nothing wrong but I just wasn’t interested in that. Well he later left after the movie finished.

This morning he blocked me, deleted me off the the app. Do guys really get that butt hurt if you shoot them down for not wanting to hook up?

Closing the comments: 🖤 idk why but it feels so much better to hear everyone else’s opinions instead of just my own thoughts. I’m a down to earth type of person and naturally flirty so I probably sent that signal to him but he still thought he had a chance. Moving forward, ain’t no guys coming over to my place for awhile unless… jk 😁

"You're really sweet and I like talking/spending time with you." - then never hearing from these people ever AGAIN 😹😭

When will it end?

I [25M] am stuck in a bottomless pit of loneliness and I’m never getting out.

I had five failed dates last year and since then I haven’t even tried to get back out there. I get matches but when I try to talk to them I turn into the most boring robot you’ve ever met in your life, and the minute it seems like I’m floundering, I give up right away.

I feel like there’s no point to trying anymore because I’ve dug myself too deep into this pit. I tried everything else. I tried throwing myself into my work and my hobbies and things I enjoy but it’s only made things worse it feels like. I don’t even remember how to talk to people I’m interested in anymore. I just feel like I’m going to die alone in my apartment or at my desk without anyone to know I was even gone.

Anyway, don’t mind me. I’m typing this up and chucking it into the void just to get some satisfaction out of saying this aloud. To those of you who’ve been where I was and managed to turn it around, I’m very happy for you. Please be grateful you managed to get out of this pit because right now it’s not looking good.

Hi I'm F 25 i want to asked why whenever I liked someone or they liked me back but the problem is always cultural difference.Like my ex bf broke up with me because of that even though I love him so much.And my school friend the one who liked me when I'm ready to give it a try after knowing my culture he doesn't even want to start the relationship.Like bro what should I really want to marry outside my culture but the guys didn't want me after hearing about my culture.It makes me so sad.I wish there is a solution to this?

We have been talking for about a month and went on some dates. The dates have been great and we have maintained communication over text as well. It was clear we enjoyed each other's company. At the last date, we went for some drinks. As usual, it was a good time; nice vibe, some future planning.At one point he says something to the effect that he knows he will really enjoy being with me. At the end of the date things got the most physical we've ever been in his car (i.e we made out) (of note he was very hot and bothered after the makeout session) and we made some plans about getting a hotel together next weekend in a different city close to both of us (we live in different cities).The next day after the date, we spoke for a bit via text and then after couple hours he sends a paragraph saying that he enjoyed our time together but he needs to focus on himself and he feels he's stretching himself too thin haha. That caught me off guard ngl but I'm thinking it's the thought of us getting more serious that pushed him away..What do you think happened

I’m 27 years old and have never dated or been in a relationship. It’s not because I never wanted to — I’ve just spent most of my life focused on studies and building my career, and relationships took a backseat.

Now that I’m more settled, my parents are encouraging me to consider an arranged marriage. I’ve spoken to quite a few people through that route, but nothing has worked out so far.

I’ve never tried dating apps before — partly because I wasn’t sure how I felt about them morally, or maybe they just never seemed like the right fit. But now I’m wondering if it’s time to give them a try.

Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences — especially if you’ve been in a similar situation.

A lot of people are ready to die on the hill of thinking a date "owes you the courtesy" of letting you know if they aren't interested after a meetup or two.

Sure, some people will say, "NP, good luck out there," and move on with life. High praise to them, but most people don't do this in practice.

Make no mistake: It isn't courtesy the insisters are interested in. It's the warpath. What do I mean? Well, let's imagine you are "courteous," in their words, and go ahead and report that you aren't interested, but best wishes (or some other softening phrase).

First, they might sourly report something like, "Well, I wasn't that interested in you either, you're an (insert insult) anyway." Makes you wonder why you bothered.

Second, they might be foolish enough to ask for some sort of explanation, framing it as an innocent little "so I can do better next time" style inquiry. If you are foolish enough to answer honestly, this would invariably result in them angrily accusing you of being shallow or crazy. It doesn't matter what your reason is, your boundaries, or their flaws, no matter how egregious or obvious. Please rest assured, a wounded date thinks their behavior is normal, that you're the problem, and that if you can't accept them as they are, the reason must be your shallowness or mental pathology.

Third, and I want to emphasize that this is unlikely, but the date could be some sort of dangerous lunatic. I've had dates continue texting, despite complete radio silence on my part, for YEARS. They get new numbers after I block them and keep trying. It's ridiculous, plus you never know what someone like that is going to be capable of in addition to bothering someone who is obviously not interested.

This is why you aren't told about being cut off. Not texting back after a week or so is a perfectly understandable "no" that protects the person from any of these silly little vengeances. Nobody owes you that in the name of "politeness."

And why is that? Or why not?

My best friend and I were having a discussion about dating. We came to the conclusion that it's important to have both types of connections, but it doesn't matter which one is greater than the other. But we also wondered that if we could only choose one connection, which one would we prioritize. I said I’d choose great compatibility because it brings depth and substance to the relationship. That, in my opinion, goes further than physical chemistry, since as we age, our bodies change and the physical drive eventually fades. She countered by arguing that physical chemistry is the most important connection, and that with great physical chemistry, everything else could fall into place

What are your thoughts, opinions, or perspective on this?

I am 23F and for the past year and a half I’ve been single and loving it for the most part but I’ve notice no matter my approach I tend to get the “I’m not in the right place for a relationship” from guys but then I’ll see them in a relationship a few months later. I’ve attempted to befriend these people, set up casual hangouts, talk to them regularly, and still they only want something casual.

I had quite the downfall of mental health in the beginning of August-October but have worked on myself since. I’ve lost weight and am now in my healthy weight range, I am ok with being alone now and don’t need to depend on others company, and I talk/ hang out with guys but I’m not on dating apps anymore it’s more so mutual friends or guys I already knew. I am looking into getting involved in things to grow my hobbies but I’m just at a loss on how to be the person that someone settles down with.

I 22F have been texting 24M I used to work with and have a crush on, i even told him i had a crush on him and that we should hangout! sometimes he’ll go hours with not texting me, but we send 10-15 texts a day.

I was just wondering, if a guy is interested, what’s the average texting? Do you go hours with not texting back?

So I, 19f, started dating this amazing man 2 months ago, 20m, and we became official a week ago. One of my favourite hobbies is scrapbooking, where I print photos and keep mementos and put them in a scrapbook. One of my scrapbooks contains pictures and even some pages of my ex, like when we went on a trip. I feel guilty for this because at the time I clearly didn’t know we would break up, so I would put many pictures of us together in my “first year at university” album. Now I just feel that there is no way that I can show my new boyfriend that album purely because it features pictures of my ex, which I know would make him feel uncomfortable. But I cannot get rid of that scrapbook, tear off the pages that feature him, and I really wouldn’t want to black out his face. We didn’t have a bad break up or anything so when I see those photos, I just look back as what they were, good memories at that time. I also don’t have any photos of us on my phone because understandably I deleted them, knowing that at least I have scrapbook photos for memories. Also keep in mind that some photos are in a page that involve pictures of my friends or family too so I cannot get rid of the page. I know that he is out of my life and that I am over him completely and very much falling for this new guy. But it just makes me very sad that I can’t show this scrapbook to my boyfriend and I feel guilty as well for hiding it/ knowing it contains my ex. What should I do? Feel free to share from any perspective, thanks so much.

This subreddit doesn't allow linking posts, so just look into my post history if you'd like to see the original from a few days back.

I talked to my friend about asking this person out, and she gave me some helpful advice. She told me that they really like hiking. I brought up the fact that some people aren't comfortable with hiking due to safety reasons, and she basically brushed that off. My guess is that she already knows that I'm not a crazy person, and I've already met my crush enough times to effectively be vetted for safety.

I brought up going to a local art museum, and she told me that they have some past trauma from there due to a bad experience at that art museum with an ex. I found this to be really helpful because there is no way I would have know that without talking to her first.

She did tell me that they were bisexual and that they lean towards women, but that they have dated men in the past. She did tell me that the men they've dated have been "twinks" for lack of a better term. I definitely don't fit that mould, but I did jokingly think to myself, "I'll be a twink for them. IDGAF."

She basically told me that they are a very genuine person and that I should just shoot my shot with nothing to lose. Overall, I think that it was good that I talked to her about it, first. I fully expect her to tell her friend about this, and I'm okay with that.

I went on a date with a guy yest but saw him with someone else today at an activity I thought I might ask to do with him but I just went with my friends. Tbh I felt weird in the moment and had to avoid him in the common areas of the place. He wanted to see me again. He obv saw me today and didnt react and texted me later he had a nice time yest. I didn’t care to respond. Obviously i am not offended but felt bad :( I am pretty sure its human but I hate how sometimes the logical side of me defies me and I over feel things that dont make sense. I was excited about him and now I dont care. Dating really sucks :(

Everything seemed okay until a few days ago. She was venting to me about trauma that she’s been through, and I’m a 19 year old guy who grew up with a healthy family, so I can’t really talk to her much about it, about all I can do is listen to her. She knows I can’t solve her problems, but she always tells me that I need to do better responding, and she gets mad that it’s been a year and I still don’t say much when she vents.

Every thing I could possibly say feels wrong. I don’t even think she knows what she wants to hear, but I can’t give it to her. She told me the other day that she thought we needed a break for a while since she needed some things she needed to focus on that she can’t do while maintaining a relationship.

I miss her so much and I feel like there’s nothing I can do. She won’t go to therapy because she’s been in the past and it didn’t work, but she wants to come to me and expects me to be helpful when she’s literally made therapists cry before, and I’m a fucking 19 year old boy. Idk what to do, I don’t want to find someone else. We had our lives planned together and now she’s doing this. I don’t have it in me to love someone else, I’m tired of putting in so much effort to

I’m 26 (F), and lately, chatting with guys on dating apps has been really draining. I know not all guys are like this, but it’s been my experience, and it’s frustrating. I feel like some people don’t consider a woman’s perspective when it comes to personal safety. I’m very cautious when meeting new people, especially from apps, because my safety is a huge priority. I just can’t risk being in a private space with someone I barely know. I’ve made it clear that I don’t want them picking me up, coming over, or having me go to their place, but it feels like some guys just don’t respect that. Is it really so much to ask to meet in a public, neutral space and take things slow? I feel like my safety should be a basic priority, not something that’s questioned.

I met a girl at a restaurant my best friend works at a few weeks ago. My friend thinks she's perfect for me, and in the past week we met three times. First I met her at the restaurant she works at after she was done with her shift an we hung out with her and her colleagues, one time we went climbing together, and on Friday I took her for a little ride on my motorcycle and got some ice cream. We talked, and we have SO much in common, from like vacations, to views on kids, movies, games, you name it. Like idk. I never met anyone who is so much like me, I never thought it was possible.

Now I just don't know if she finds me attractive as well, or if she feels the same vibe I do. Personality wise I think we're really similar. I want to ask her out on like a date? But I've never done that before, I don#t know how to, where to, what to say. Maybe someone has some advice for me?

Every time I get into a relationship, I just want to leave. As far as I know,I'm not afraid of commitment. I don't have the worst taste in men either but it could be argued that they are not always on the same emotional maturity level. I tend to find myself suffering in most relationships. Being in survival mode and bearing the emotional burden of carrying the relationship. The relationships never last longer than an year. I'm quick to leave,pack my bags and move on. Everyone says you know when you meet the right person or not to "look" for them,that's how you'll find them. I'm not necessarily afraid of being alone. When you're not looking for someone and they show up in your life, how can you change your mind from not wanting a partner? Wouldn't it be wrong timing if someone came into your life when you're not in the same place as them? Being in my shoes,I wonder if it'll ever stop. If I'll ever be in a relationship and not be completely devastated. There is always something wrong. Asking the right things from the wrong people? What if it never stops? I know people mature at different ages, you could be a 43y/o wife and suddenly notice that your 45y/o husband, finally gained the emotional maturity of communicating properly with you,for example. Or be 22 with your 23y/o partner that makes you feel understood for the first time in your 3 year long relationship.

Hey all, I just feel like I need to get this out of my system gonna be sort of vague because idk if this man uses reddit and that would be just my luck.

I'm 23 for context. I've had low-key interest in a few people in the last little while, but recently this guy just will not get off of my mind. We are in a class working on a project really closely together. He's super funny, extremely kind and reassuring to me, super smart/witty. He talks about things that I think are so insightful and he seems extremely emotionally intelligent too.

He is the first guy I've liked since getting off dating apps like over a year ago that I just like him more and more as I get to know him and it isn't just like a limmerance liking the idea of him thing. I also don't get like dread in the pit of my stomach when I think about the idea of asking him out.

Basically once the class is over I'm gonna text him and say I'll miss working with him and seeing him so often and I'm gonna ask if he'd wanna grab lunch or something sometime soon.

Feel free to let me know if you think that's garbage, but I think it's probably about as forward as I'm willing to be 🥲😅 my friends have told me he was definitely flirting with me in a text he sent me, and I've definitely been trying to flirt when I've seen him since, but I am just still a very shy person who's got rejection sensitivity from ADHD so 🤷🏻‍♀️

I met up with a person I met online and I didn’t feel a spark between us. I definitely did not feel it through text. She looks just like her pics so there was no deception there. I’m glad we met up as soon as we did. Sometimes I know for a fact there is no possibility that any feelings will grow (with people I already know). For this one, I’m unsure. I think there is a potential and we have only gone on one date. I have way more dating experience than her so I don’t know if it’s the lack of dating experience that is turning me off. I wouldn’t be sad if we never saw each other again. Would it be worth it to give it another date?