I’m not sure I agree that on-Line dating is the only way! But I am old so what do I know? My DDs tell me that it’s full of men prepared to string women along for sex. They say they are looking for relationships but most of them aren’t. If you do try on-line dating Op then I would be absolutely clear that you want a relationship.
Have you tried an old fashioned dating agency? It might be worth the investment?
Are you meeting the same people every time you go out Op? Statistically, I think one of the most important factors in meeting someone and forming a friendship or a relationship is repeated proximity.
So join a choir or a stone wall repair group or a walking group or just go to the same pub every Sunday at the same time without fail, somewhere where you can do an activity and chat once or twice a week but you have to go regularly for months.
Please don’t start thinking it’s you though (unless your standards are ridiculously high which I am sure they are not.)
My DDs tell me that dating nowadays is a nightmare, full of men not making any effort, or not wanting to take the lead. Have you thought of asking anyone out yourself op?
What type of man are you looking for? You might need to change tactics and go to places men frequent like sports venues or start learning a sport like rowing or sailing or something like that? Maybe buy a paddle board or a bike?
Another tactic is to, say one weekend a month, go much further afield, at least a couple of hours away, and start putting feelers out in a different area of the country, but on a regular basis. For example, one of my DD’s friends who lives in the East Midlands, got in to rock-climbing in the Lakes and met someone doing that.
Another possible strategy is for you and your friends to go and visit each other’s parents, if they live somewhere different to you, and ask to meet your friend’s childhood or university mates of the opposite sex?
Or a really good way of meeting new people is to get a dog or another animal. ! I know that’s a bit extreme but animals are not only fantastic in themselves, they bring good people to you! I firmly believe that,
Just one last thought, if you are out a lot meeting different people, are you with lots of female friends who might put a prospective man off? Are you going to the sort of places where you can strike up a conversation?
I am sure that’s not much help but I just wanted to wish you well op and if you were my dd I would tell you to keep maintaining those standards, hold your head up, do not start doubting yourself, and the right one will come along I promise. You really do have to invest a lot of time and sometimes money on to it though and treat it seriously, almost like you would looking for a job. Good luck 🌷