The trials of dating as an ancient Millennial

It feels like some kind of cosmic joke that, now that I feel incredibly confident in myself and more attractive in my thirties than my twenties, my dating life has hit a wall. I know, I know, all the good ones are taken, et cetera, but it didn't really hit me how true this was until I went on a few dates these past few months. For context, I ended a long-term relationship some five years ago, and it wasn't until last year I decided to get back into dating. So maybe it's my fault I didn't jump in the dating scene sooner?

An example: Last night, I went on a date with someone who spent the entire time talking about... himself. His job as a bartender. How much he'd love for me to drink with him. How much time he spends at the gym, which is the only form of therapy AND social life he has. How betrayed he's been by his family. How his house was set on fire. How he loves to drink and wants me to drink with him. How his life was ruined for reasons he refused to explain. How insistent he was that I drink with him. Et cetera.

Towards the end of the date (when I managed to text a friend to pick me up way earlier than expected) he smiled this big, dopey smile and said "Gosh, you are sooooo mysterious. I love how mysterious you are!"

Thanks. You haven't, at any point in the past two hours, asked anything about me, and wouldn't even let me order water to drink. I'm sitting here with a warm beer instead, deliberately not drinking.

He proceeds to go back to talking about his general woes. I can't recall what they are, of course, because at that point he's well beyond buzzed and incredibly drunk. Fortunately, he tells me he can't drive anyway. He doesn't pay child support, so he can't register his car.

And that, believe it or not, is not the worse date I have been on these past few years.

~Bartender! A Shirley Temple for the frustration!

Sorry for my Species ^^

You date (subconsciously) with strict expectations, hoping to find Mr Right.

Don't plan your life, enjoy freedom (sounds weird, i know).

I'm in my mid-40s and look at my Friends Relationships = Property purchased, renovate, with Children to Ballet/Soccer, Weekends with Friends of Children + Parents....no time for each other, Friends, Hobby's etc...feels like a parallel Universe for me ^^

So let me be clear ;-) = You are good the Way you are <3 ! Do how you feel. Spend Time with your friends in a Bar , or for an Icecream on a sunny Day (and allow yourself to look around, maybe somebody tries to get your Attention with a smile) . Stop planing and let the Universe arrange :-D ! Stop seeking , fulfill Moments .

>> feel hugged << and "[Cheers]"

~ Hey, Bartender...hope you're good :-) . Yeah, You're right, she's cute. Don't worry, she's a little too young for me, but nice that you care... You got selfmade Lemonade ? Awesome, let me try, surprise me....Hey, and another Drink for the Lady, please. Can't believe She's single, need to introduce her to the Spirit of the Pub..!