I haven’t dated a lot, maybe two short term (1-3 months) relationships and talked to or went on dates with seven other men. But the 10th man made me not want to date anyone else anymore. Even after we broke up in November, the idea of dating other men makes me exhausted because I worry they won’t be like him. I know I will find someone else that is the right fit for me, but I worry about all the little things that he didn’t do but all the other men seemed to do, or all the things he did do that the other men didn’t do.

Anyway, the relationship was ruined by people outside the relationship who are really close to him but made me feel unwanted and uncomfortable in his life.

It isn’t like I want him back. But I’m sad and exhausted at the idea of dating again and forming that connection and becoming comfortable with each other the same way I did with him. I’m weary of the idea that the new man will do things I don’t like that he never did.

Anyone have this experience?