I (24F) really want to be in a relationship again, but every time I date someone and things start getting more serious, I find myself become significantly less attracted to them and pull away. What's wrong with me?

I really don't get what's wrong with me. I feel like I'm ready for a relationship and ready to commit, and I was really into both of these guys at the beginning. It literally was as soon as they started talking about wanting to become exclusive that I kind of lost interest.

I have a (shittily-written) life story that might relate to this. Please take a few minutes and read it; if I haven't helped you, feel free to downvote and move on.

Few years ago, I started flight training to become a pilot. At first, it was really fun and innocent--my instructor did most of the hard work for me, such as taking off and landing the airplane, while I'd get to practice basic flight maneuvers. In short, I had the feeling of being a pilot without any of the responsibilities or required effort (aside from spending the money, but that's for another time :) ).

As I advanced through my training, I began to develop a refined skill of controlling the airplane, got proficient at landing, flew solo for the first time ever, and so on. Great fun, but at the same time, I started to develop a sense of general discouragement. I can't really explain the initial stages, but it just felt like one day I woke up and just didn't want to go flying.

As I neared my Checkride (final exam where your basic pilot license (Private Pilot License) is issued), it seemed like the prospect of actually flying on a daily basis, as a career--and transporting hundreds of people in a commercial airliner someday--would be too much for me to handle, even though the Checkride would only grant me the Private license.

Ended up passing the Checkride and got my Private license and built flight time to get my Commercial license in the following years.

How does this all relate to relationships? I feel that you have the drive for a true relationship, are completely capable of being in a successful relationship, and can easily envision being in a relationship, but get anxious when the opportunity rolls around; in short, an expectation vs reality thing. There's nothing wrong with you; try to get past these feelings and see what happens. Who knows? You may end up with the perfect life partner.

One final note,

It sucks because I get really caught up in guys that treat me like shit. Guys that are only in it for the physical aspect, not wanting to commit to a relationship, guys who flake on plans and make 5 am booty calls…. these are the guys that I find myself pining after and really wishing that they would date me.

People of both genders and all sexual orientations are absolute scumbags and will take advantage of your physical appearances/mental capacity/etc. Perhaps they will abuse you or cheat on you for their own pleasure. Maybe they will do far worse.

No matter how the uneducated, primitive masses out there may present themselves, I can guarantee you that there is a good guy out there for you. You will find him if you preserver.

Keep at it; you're doing great. Life's too short to not have fun along the way, too.

/r/relationships Thread