Hi
@seantspence,
Welcome to the forum!
I often say that the dating world is a shark tank -- getting bitten at some point is inevitable. In some ways, I think it's even worse for Christians because everyone is clinging to the thought that "God wants only the best for me!" And so we all have our own ideas of what "the best" is for us -- even though it might not be what God has in mind for us.
I have a good guy friend who often told me, "God might not give you what you want -- but He'll give you what you need." I've thought of that many times over the years.
I'm sorry about your negative dating experience but can assure you, for every dating horror story a guy has here, there is a woman who has a story that can match it.
How about the guy I met whom I had high hopes for, as he was polite, hard-working (crediting his team with all their success, not himself,) and drove a long distance every Sunday to a home church he loved and didn't want to let go.
We lived a bit far from each other and both drove almost an hour to a middle-of-the-road location for a late lunch, and I could have seen myself really liking him.
Except that I hadn't even gotten into my driveway yet when my phone started blowing up with texts from him asking, "How soon in a relationship can two people start sharing bodies?" And sadly, that ended any hope I had right then and there.
I could tell you the other stories I've had over the years -- I'm adopted from Asia, and I would have Christian white men with Asian children approach me on dating sites because they liked the thought of finding an Asian stepmother for their kids. I certainly can't blame them -- if I were a parent I'd probably think the same way. But I've often said, I felt like a handbag being matched to a pair of shoes, and that's just not for me. One blocked me right away and told me it was "my loss" when I showed hesitation.
Another thing that keeps me single is that I've met a lot of good Christian guys... with serious porn issues. In the past, I'd always tell myself that I should be patient and understanding -- but it never worked out, and I've learned that I am no match for a plasticized fantasy world that caters to every whim (no matter how hard I pray.) I can be a friend and pray for someone going through that, but as far as putting up with it in a relationship -- it's just not for me.
And I've met wonderful Christian guys who DON'T have porn addictions -- but somehow, we always wind up being just friends.
These days, I've found a very content life trying my best to learn about, help and serve those around me -- whether or not God decides to change my single status. All of my single Christian friends (ladies) are doing the same -- serving their families, volunteering to help others with their kids, taking care of those in need, and working very hard at their jobs.
This site has also been a great source of Christian connections, so I hope you'll jump right in to any discussions you find interesting -- and will hopefully meet some great people as well!