I have this slight inkling that I am totally not normal when it comes to dating and relationships. I've been single (by choice) for well over 5 years and I still have no desire to have a partnership despite my many options.

And yet -- I keep putting myself out there anyway in hope that something will "click" eventually and make me want one.

It just seems more like a hassle to me; and I fail to see how a relationship could ADD to my life instead of constantly TAKE more from me now.

Does anyone else feel like this too? Or am I a total alien when it comes to human contact? :/

Has there been a conflict in your past relationships, if youve had any

you aren't alone. it is possible to be happy without a romantic relationship

most of us survive on other types of relationships for at least a couple decades before society kind of indoctrinates us into the fairy tale of happy ever after with someone else

not that its JUST a fairy tale, because it can happen, it just doesn't HAVE to happen


I say if and when someone is 'worth it' , you will want a relationship,, I wouldn't beat myself up over being able to thrive alone though,,,

I'm the same way. It's 8 years since my last relationship, which was a 2 year engagement. I'm quite content alone, but keep thinking maybe there is someone out there that will make me feel differently about it.

It does kind of suggest that you have an 'internal' conflict. You seem to long to be in a relationship, so you put yourself out there, but something is stopping you from making a connection.
Kind of like fear of commitment or fear of abandonment, both closely related.
Opening up can be quite scary, but if we daren't be vulnerable, we won't find love either, just @$$holes that upset us.

Anyway, doesn't sound 'alien' to me. I got a bit of a similar thing. I know and have experienced that relationships do add to your life, even the bad relationships do. But for now I prefer to enjoy my freedom. It feels like I will lose my personal freedom (again) if I get involved.
So I'm not even actively looking at the moment. When I happen to meet a promising guy, I'll just take it from there. But I don't believe I will find him online, not anymore. Online you only seem to meet men with a lot of blablabla and fake promises.

Hmmmmm.
You are on a dating site so you have..interest.

Stop looking. See what happens by.
Enjoy people for who they are.
Connections can pop up at the oddest times in your life.

Try to feel the journey, instead of seeking the end result.

I get you!!! I need to be more like you!
I'm more frustrated in the pursuit of a relationship than I EVER was just completely single!

Are you a Melmacian like me?

I feel that way too which is why I am on here to chat with friends. I wouldn't waste my time trying to pursue something that was never meant to be.

I learned not to look or press because it will make me feel like true love will never happen,so I enjoy the small things in life and strive to be happy. If it happens it happens but no time limit.I think what your feeling is normal.

Actually, your attitude may be healthier than most. Many of us have spent parts of our lives in bad relationships simply because we weren't patient enough to wait for the rare fit that results in happiness.

Relax. See what comes along. If the right man crosses your path, hopefully you will know. In the meantime make friends and enjoy life.

You don't have to give up on human contact to stay out romantic relationships. Not wanting to get hurt, controlled or committed by someone doesn't have to be an alien concept. Past experiences can be what we base today's actions on. True friendships can be give and take, too. There is someone I truly adore but I have to stand up to her. I mean who likes being used even if they say they are not just using you? Who wants to be just a puppet of another? It can be better to give than receive but does that mean that one is never to receive? If it works don't fix it.

you just want the right human contact... when you do, it will add way more to your life than it takes away... your still young and have plenty of time...
i'm the same way, women are a big hassle to me as well... i do have a lot of women friends, which is the way I'd rather have it... relationships just don't interest me anymore...

but at least you try, hope is always good...

Your just not ready to get back on the horse should we say...Ouch!! I think what ever it was that hurt you last isnt quite yet healed.. You are young and love shall find you again