I just need to vent. I went on a date with a girl I liked. I was honest, respectful, and genuinely interested in her. We had a lot of common interests and hobbies too, so I felt like we really clicked. I tried to be thoughtful and considerate throughout, basically just acted like myself and hoped it would be enough. The date was actually wonderful. And yes, I don’t expect anything in return for being honest and kind. I just value being genuine.
During the date, she asked me my age, she’s in her early twenties, I’m in my late twenties. I didn’t know her age before asking her out, and it caught both of us off guard a little. Afterward, she told me a relationship wouldn’t work for her right now, because of her headspace, priorities, and the age gap. She said she still thinks I’m great, but can’t pursue anything romantic. And I don’t blame the girl, she really was great and kind.
And I get it. I really do. I can’t control her feelings, timing, or the age thing. But damn… it still hurts. A part of me feels proud that I put myself out there and was honest, but another part of me feels exhausted and frustrated. Approaching women, being vulnerable, and risking rejection is so hard, and it feels like no matter how genuine you are, it might not be enough.
Does anyone else feel like this? Like the act of putting yourself out there is brave, but also incredibly draining when it doesn’t work out?
It just feels like as it goes on, I’m believing less and less in a happy ending or a happy beginning