I've definitely considered those things, and I do have a trusted journal where I put many of my thoughts. I've also tried sharing them with close friends, but it often doesn't feel like enough - they're not dating experts or anything, so their advice is usually quite general and not very insightful.
I haven't wanted to blame others either, because I know everyone is doing their best, but it's hard not to when the same situations keep playing out. It's like groundhog day! I always seem to attract the wrong type of people, or rather, I seem to end up in the wrong situations - I think that's partly why I've been so hesitant to get involved recently. I keep telling myself that it's better to be alone than to endure more heartache, but then I see so many friends around me in happy relationships and it makes me yearn for something deep and meaningful too.
I'm starting to wonder if it's actually me - am I putting up some kind of wall that people pick up on subconsciously? Or maybe my standards are just a bit too high? I feel like with every date I go on, I'm learning what I don't want, which will hopefully lead me to what I do want, but it's exhausting in the meantime.
Thanks for letting me vent!