[seibelj]

I’m sorry you experienced this. My home life wasn’t perfect but it was much better than yours. I love my wife and children most of all - they are what I mean by a created family as the family we created was the result of my wife and I choosing to do so. Immense contentment and fulfillment come from my immediate family.

I have found it much better to come to amends with past family I have had issue with than it is to hold grudges and become estranged. I’m not saying your situation is salvageable but that is my experience.

I am also a very driven person and work in tech startups at the executive level. My ability to work long hours and succeed is enhanced by the love of my family rather than fueled by past wrongs.

[Applejinx]

Yeah, I'm finding it impossible to pull that one off, even after inheriting money: I simply do not have the socialization to get into or maintain a romantic relationship. That's improving but it may never get there and there's nothing I can do about it but be patient and try to improve as a person, in the absence of feedback or reward. Nobody is going to get down into the hole with me and dig me out, I've got to dig myself out and may never get there.

However, this is the same problem I faced as an entrepreneur, so naturally I am doing my best with it. One thing I am, is stubborn :D

[seibelj]

> I simply do not have the socialization to get into or maintain a romantic relationship.

IMO dating is a numbers game. I met my wife on Tinder ~9 years ago. No idea the online dating scene now but even back then Tinder was known as a hookup app. I was very upfront that I was looking for a long-term relationship, on Tinder and another app I was on. I believe you can learn more about a person in 5 minutes in person than you can in any amount of digital communication pre-meet. Another good thing about online dating is both of you know exactly why you are speaking - when you try to convert acquaintances into romantic partners there is a bit of confusion there.

Numbers game because most will not be a good fit, and also you will get rejected a lot. If you are emotionally prepared for commitment then you can be emotionally prepared for disappointment. But once you find a good fit you will find a partner for life! I think you can do it.