--X-post from r/demiromantic as I thought it'd have relevance here too --

For context I (21m) never been in a conventional relationship; although I tend to get what i'd call romantic feelings (and sometimes sexual/sensual feelings) for my close friends they don't feel the same.

Sometimes I think I should just settle. There's a couple people, one in particular I know who do kind of like me but I just don't feel entirely comfortable or desiring of being in a relationship with them. The main reason I'm not interested is I don't really feel there's the trust/connection I need - but then often I really doubt that feeling and suspect I'm making excuses for a fear of vulnerability. It really sucks and I don't particularly think it's true but I can't shake the feeling and I don't really know if I can know for sure.