“ Originally Posted by gadget945 
”
Sweetie - I'm gonna tell you like I have told every other good hearted, decent, hard working, considerate man I have ever talked to about looking for a mate. QUIT LOOKING. You are trying so hard to find someone that you are willing to make them first in your life, and putting their wants and needs above your own and it typically winds up that those skanks will take advantage of it. You cannot put someone ahead of yourself. I know, they are important to you and you want them to love you; but you cannot make someone happy at your expense. wcked has the right idea, kind of. Take her out, loosen her up and have a serious conversation about what you are looking for. Tell her that you like her and want to be with her but that relationships are PARTNERSHIPS. You are a nice guy and will treat her right, but you expect the same from her. If she just kind of laughs and giggles and flips her hair and says, "oh you are just so sweet" --- RUN!
Most women don't know what they want. A lot of them buy into the stereotype of "take care of me, but I don't have to do anything because that is your job" Those are the ones that are most sneaky by the way. They will tell you whatever you want to hear, and will take everything they can and never give anything back.
Seriously, if you quit looking, and wait for the right time in your life, then things will get better. I understand not wanting to be alone. It's nice to have someone at home who will worry when you are late, to talk to when you can't sleep, will bring you chicken soup when you are sick. All of that is not worth it if you cannot trust them.
When you meet someone that you are interested in, check out their myspace, facebook, twitter, all of it. You're a junkie, dude, use the technology. You can tell a lot about a person by what they say on their myspace or facebook. How they interact with people, what kind of pics they post, all of that makes a difference.
Check them out, talk to them, meet their friends, but give it some time. Yes, there is such a thing as love at first sight, but it is a very hard to find kind of thing. If you want to talk more, let me know, they don't call me "momma" around here for nothing.
Take care sweetie, it will all work out, it just might take some time. Take care of yourself, your family, and your general situation. Then worry about finding someone to share it with.
I keep telling my friends to stop chasing girls. Expecially after a recent breakup.
Just take 6 months for YOURSELF. Relax, don't chase girls, keep up with your hobbies or if you don't have a hobbie, get a NON-destructive one.
You'll find that after 6 months you'll have a new outlook on life, plus you'll have a better understanding of what type of woman you are looking for.
Here's a tip, Show me a beautiful woman and I'll show you a man sick of her $h*t. Girls have BAGGAGE!!!! Especially the younger ones. I started asking psychology questions to girls I found attractive. You would be amazed what answers you'll get.
Oh and statistically, everyone marries someone they meet within 5 miles of a mutual area they both frequent. (apartments, grocery store, work, etc.)