Dating sucks

You can always integrate yourself into one of those cultures where the man and woman have no say in whom they marry. No dating. It seems to work for them.

There is always mail-order :-)

Now that you're not dating, you'll probably find a wonderful person in line at the supermarket.

Thanks, Chaim. I must have sounded pretty desparate in my post here to have you think I'm dying to get a date ;-) But I'll keep your suggestions in mind, then. Although I'd probably rather go for "mail-order" than the first option ;-)
Oh- and about the supermarket: I find them there? So, technically speaking, I don't need mail-order, huh? ;)

WOW!! Must've had a bad date here lately?!?! Would you like to tell that information too?!? I mean...i don't think anything could beat your *other* story but hey...you NEVER know.

Are you shy..in person?? I hate it too...but I guess the only reason I hate it is because I am extremely shy in person...yes, believe that. But...i didn't know there was a "rule" that you have to "woo" a woman?!? I mean..i am sure there is with the fake ass...low down...looking for someone just to buy them things because they are beautiful but shallow...women. But I think with a "REAL" woman...it's not like that at all. They go out with a man to have fun...no pressure. But I guess you may be looking for the wrong women?!? I mean...maybe the wrong women are looking for you?? Let me shut up now...because...I don't know you...nor your taste in women...i just think you have to find the right woman Werner. That is all. :))

Good luck...and I hear ya...loud and clear!

Not in particular, Sara, but it sounds that way, admitted. It's just a general statement from me, coming from a brief moment of *considering* it. Am I being shy? I don't know. I don't think you have to be shy in order to feel uncomfortable about dating. It feels "cheap" somehow, with or without being shy, doesn't it?
On attracting the wrong women: Not the ones you might have in mind here. I don't drive big enough a car for that and I can't afford to behave like the big spender in order to attract that type of women. Which - I guess - is a good thing, considering...

Actually i was just asking if you are shy....generally speaking...not just in dating or whatever. But i do have to agree...it is kind of cheesy...and something i do NOT like at all. Wayyyy too uncomfortable for me. :))

i have have situation before ,...sometime person hwos we realy dream on just such dream after that,..well Goodluck for next date i hope you found great date next time ,.don't give up^___~

Oh, sorry to hear it, Shinta. Hope, you've come out of it alright. Thanks for your words of encouragement, though.:)

Ouch....Werner, that sounds really bad and quite drastic....
SInce I met you (ok, just once but I think that's enough to get a very good first impression) I can only say: Don't play any games or try to please - be like you are and who you are - you are such a nice guy to have around, funny, friendly, considerate, good looking......There is somebody out there just for you, and mostly you'll find that special somebody just when you're not looking for it ;-)) Go out and have fun and don't care about any 'rules'!!!

Wow, Christiane - that is a really lovely comment of yours! I totally appreciate the encouragement! I guess, you're having a good point here: I should just be myself and not worry about how to get it right and all. Because then chances are, someone takes me for whom I tried to be instead of the person I am. However, even that isn't a "guarantee" against somebody reading me wrong (has happened before). But then - there aren't any guarantees in the first place, right? Anyway, thanks a lot and have a nice weekend!

I can totally relate to this Werner. I suddenly became single when I turned 40, it was a shock to discover that dating wasn't fun anymore! Don't get me wrong, once you do connect with that special someone it is fun, but trying to find someone is just awful! I agree with what everyone is saying here, over the past 8 years I have discovered that what it is I want is someone that I can be myself with, because I honestly like who I am when I'm being myself, and if she can like that person... just think of the happiness that will come from that!

I'll leave you with this quote I found:

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning

P.S. I forgot about this post I had on F****R that I brought over here: introspection ~ the Real Me

Whoa-whoa-whoa... thanks for your kind words, Julian, and the quote. They both work up a tsunami of emotion, which isn't headed anywhere, but washing over me like the giant waves of the ocean. It feels good to see there are people out there, who not only understand, but relate and are compassionate. A true gift. Thanks. (find my comment on your pic here).

If it just weren't so f***ing hard to be me, Sherry... Thanks all the more.

I have to get healthy first, Sherry. Otherwise, I won't be able to make someone put up with me... But thanks, nonetheless!

Can't argue, Sherry, as being healthy or not determines, how life in general feels, right?