hi fireinthebelly
My story is almost identical to yours, and it really resonates with me how every time you want it to go somewhere serious, people pull back and you end up back at square one. However in spite of the pain I think it says something that we’re willing to commit, to take that leap of faith, even if others aren’t. I wonder if we’re looking for something in the wrong types of people, and we need to think more about whether they are right for us rather than taking the opportunities which aren’t right from fear of not finding anyone. I’ve worked so hard over the last 5 or 6 years to get to a place where i’m ready to commit again, to become happy with myself, and deal with my past. I wonder if the next step is to figure out what I want in a relationship and be honest about that with people from the start. You deserve love from someone who who wants your love, not just someone who’s happy to play games with your emotions. I believe if we treat others how we want to be treated ourselves, eventually we’ll get some luck.
Good luck with everything, I hope lasting love is around the corner for both of us.