Hey everyone. I (32F) went on three dates this weekend. One on Friday, Saturday, and an impromptu date on Sunday. I was supposed to go on a fourth on Monday but I rescheduled (wasn't feeling too well) and the potential date didn't like that and just wished me luck and that was the end of that.

So on the first two dates, I didn't feel that romantic/sexual attraction, which happens and happens often for me on first dates. Friday's date crossed a boundary (kissing me unannounced a few times) and since I did not initiate breaking the touch barrier (he tried to hold my hands, I kept pulling away) it was just a huge turn off for me and it seemed he might have been looking for something I wasn't. I'm looking for a long-term relationship as the goal.

Second date, he was really nice and conversations were good but again something was missing. And for the first time he was actually maybe a bit too tall (I am 5'4 he is 6'8 I don't know how I missed that on his profile lol). In the end though, I wasn't feeling that connection that I was looking for though he expressed great interest and he did ask to kiss me but I denied doing so at the end of the date.

Sunday comes around and I get a text and it's from someone I matched with a while back wasn't sure if I was going to hear from him. We went out, got drinks, and we did end up hooking up and I did stay over. Let me tell you, I have NOT done that in years. It happened though. When I woke up in the morning and left, I didn't get the feeling of "I can't wait to see this person again". It was a fun time, but maybe that was all it was meant to be. He did say when he's free next from work (he works as a flight attendant) he'll text me. I told him okay. He might be more of someone I would be casual with but I am looking for long-term so not the best fit. Maybe my mind will change, who knows.

I do have a date on Saturday coming up, so I guess I'll see what that brings. Just it's tricky because I guess I am getting pickier as I'm getting older. The first two guys I just really couldn't see myself dating. The date on Sunday gave me a whirlwind of emotions because I haven't done that in so long. I guess I was slightly disappointed in myself. I am keeping my expectations low for Saturday and I will just see how it goes. Since February 2021 when I started dating again, I've been on 21 first dates so far. It's not that much but it's a good amount and of those 21 I've been on only 4 second dates and 2 I dated briefly this year but were very short.

Anyone else finding dating difficult in the sense of finding what you are really looking for? Also, all of these dates are people from dating apps. Is anyone else getting pickier? Is this a "me" problem that I'm having some trouble finding a good match? Should I take a break from dating or keep trying? To be fair I am trying my best haha but nothing seems to stick on my end.

Edit: I have never dated like this before, usually 2-3 dates a month if even that. I plan on slowing that down or taking a break to really figure out what I want and what I’m looking for and to be selective on who I go on dates with.