I'm a 28 y/o straight man. I'm 6'3", I've always been in good shape, and in the humblest way possible, I'm a pretty good looking guy. I've never had an issue finding sexual partners. However, I am REALLY struggling to find a meaningful relationship.

I've only really had one serious relationship that lasted 4 years. I ended it, but somehow I felt like the one that got dumped. I guess I never fully thought it through and kind of regretted it. In my head, my ex loved me and I figured I'd have her in my back pocket while I explore my other options. Well, she slept with one of my old friends a few weeks later, and I became an emotional wreck. In fact, I don't think I've fully recovered from this. I felt so betrayed, even though she technically was free to do what she wanted. I guess I just never fully thought it out, and she moved on QUICK from there. I still think about her a lot, especially the sex; it was crazy. Nobody else has compared, and I didn't realize what I had until I let it go (classic, right?)

Anyways, since then, I've been with a lot of girls, but none have really been girlfriend material. Maybe I'm being too picky, but I really don't think so. COVID screwed me because I broke up with my ex right before it hit, and I was 24 at the time in my prime dating years. Now I'm 28, and all the good wife material girls in my area are already snatched up. It gives me mad anxiety. My only option is to date younger, and I think some of these younger girls are crazy. I have absolutely nothing in common with them. They all don't know how to have a conversation and they stare at their phones all day. Idk what to do.

Also, it's important to note that I've been single for 4 years now. Is that a red flag for girls? I also live in a medium sized suburban area where everyone seems to know everyone's business. I'm getting the feeling that people now think I'm a fuckboy or something. I really don't feel that way at all. Sure, I've been with quite a few girls in the last 4 years, but that's not because I haven't tried to have a serious relationship. Everyone has the desire for sex, I just haven't felt that any of those partners were worth pursuing too much further. Now I'm struggling mentally because I feel like my time is running out.