u/Aware_Barnacle_6135

I’m 30 and my coworker is 37. She’s the smartest, most responsible woman I’ve ever met. She owns a home, likes to travel, and is very introverted. She loves reading, playing video games, and planning the next vacation. She’s very funny and has a dry sense of humor. She’s also physically beautiful - very unique looking curly hair always in different styles during the week, perfectly painted nails, and a wonderful sense of fashion.

I’ve known her for about 5 years now. We’ve traveled together on business a few times. We chat about life, but always keep it professional.

I have very little dating experience and have spent infinitely more time with her or talking to her through the computer than any other woman. But I know through experience that she does not like me in that way. If I ever hint at discussing anything relationship or dating related she shuts it right down, which makes sense.

This woman has never been married and as far as I can tell enjoys her single life doing her own stuff. She has communicated to me before that at times she feels like she has no life since we spend so much time at our corporate job, but I think she’s happier now. However, I still find myself foolishly fantasizing about how I could make her feel cherished and special and it makes me feel ashamed.

There are so many women out there who could like me, but this person intrigues me so much. I appreciate how she at least makes me feel seen and like a person worth talking to, whereas when I’m on dating apps or meeting random women in person I may as well be wearing the cloak of invisibility. It makes me want to give up.

TLDR; hormones make life very hard sometimes

I’m a 30M and am genuinely bad at everything in life. I went to school for engineering and graduated, but I’m so tired of the grind already and I’ve only been at it for 8 years after college. My performance has been slipping because I find it hard to care and I’m beyond burnout.

I see all my friends/peers getting married. I’ve never had a kiss, never mind someone to go on dates with and build a genuine connection with. I’ve tried a lot to meet someone over the years but it never happened.

My parents are struggling with health and older age, and they’re tired of working. They want me to keep pushing and become successful, but I’m fucking exhausted and sincerely struggling to find motivation.

I used to be really good at golf and it used to give me a mental break from my other life issues, but over the past month I can barely make contact with the ball and lessons haven’t helped much, so I’m on the verge of quitting the hobby I used to enjoy the most. It used to bring me joy and confidence, now it only brings frustration and makes me question why I bother practicing anymore.

Everything I do just feels futile right now. Working hard, trying to meet people, trying to get better at pretty much anything. Nothing makes a difference, ever. I don’t feel like life is for me anymore. I’m ready for it to all be over.

TLDR; Life is way too hard. I just want a break, but I’ll work til I’m dead and never be good at anything I guess. This is fucking torture and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.