Rant: how are you expected to find someone if dating apps don’t work and it’s hard to make friends?

Question

27F, been on and off the dating apps for years. I’ve complained to my mother enough and she has always reassured me that I just haven’t found the right one, been hearing this since I was 21. I feel like I could have been in a relationship or at least “dated” if I went for the guys that have pursued me. However, I got tired of the ones I didn’t like back approaching me and have decided to use bumble. I’ve met up with two guys and didn’t feel them either. It’s only been twice BUT like I said I tried the other apps for years. My life has always been the ones I want don’t want me back/aren’t serious and the ones that like me I don’t want back. My mom says that she really loved my dad and she’s been with her current boyfriend for years but I just don’t get the appeal of either of them (seeing them as if I don’t know them or aren’t related to them). She says she didn’t settle but I just don’t get how you aren’t settling if you aren’t physically attracted to the person. I do feel I will genuinely end up alone, rather be alone vs being taken and miserable. Not that this matters but I don’t really have an active sex drive, I don’t enjoy masturbating and haven’t had sex in years. I saw someone very briefly 3 years ago and while he had a decent personality, I wasn’t physically attracted to him. That was my closest to a relationship, you’re seriously telling me I haven’t been able to find anyone since? It’s like the universe is telling me I can’t do any better, I have never even introduced anyone to my family going on 30. Social anxiety is something I deal with but not that much of a contributing factor. Around a yr ago, I took a 6 month break from dating apps.

DarkWinterNights · Accepted Answer

Our parents grew up in a time before the internet, social media and this mindset that you can always do better. Technically we’ve never been more connected, but statistically our society has never been so alone and miserable. Most people aren’t going to find “the one”. Settling doesn’t have to be with someone you don’t like, just someone that checks some of the most important boxes. You can also simply focus on being the best person you can be regardless of what that means for your relationship status.

TheMajesticKing777 · Accepted Answer

Dating apps are a waste of time, socialize with people outside of applications, when you are shopping and walking around outside doing your everyday stuff, socialize, you are leaning on these apps like the only source of dating, people are everywhere