People have a lot of baggage, and that’s okay.

Recently I've realized something when it comes to dating – people have a lot of problems and personal issues. I've always lived a life of relative comfort, my biggest worries have been getting good grades, and my biggest problem is not having a good relationship with my dad who still loves me unconditionally. In comparison, a lot, and I mean a lot of people have problems and worries far more serious and significant than me. And that's okay.

I have only seriously dated over the last year or so. I started pretty late. At first, I was very put off when people opened up and told me their problems. I kept thinking to myself "why can't anyone have a normal and simple life like me?!", but over the last few months I have realized that dating and being in a relationship does not mean running away at the earliest sign of scars or problems. Dating and entering a relationship means helping them with their problems or confronting their problems with them, together.

I feel like this is a common trend within modern dating, where you can find a new date from the safety of your bed within hours, days, maybe a week at most. People have stopped trying, sifting through 100s of people looking for someone "normal" that doesn't have any issues. I tried doing that, and I was never satisfied while dating. I went out with 8 girls, 5 of which who went past the first date. And I broke it off with all of them after they opened up about their problems. I know, I was an ass. You don't need to tell me.

I am now in a very happy relationship with a girl who has her problems, much worse than some of the ones I rejected out of immaturity, but I don't mind. I feel far more satisfied with myself knowing I am actively making her life better by being there for her whenever she needs me, and that is my advice to all of you who are trying to date. Just because someone has problems doesn't mean they aren't worth it. You will never find a perfect partner, but you can make a partner perfect. Don't be like I was and reject someone or run away at the earliest sign of problems. Try to stick through it, you will be much more satisfied and less frustrated with yourself and the dating experience as a whole.

PS: Obviously the problems I am talking about are problems that don't actively pose a threat to your own well-being and safety. Then it is advised to run away. But completely normal problems that everyone suffers to some extent should not warrant running or giving up.