I’m 28. I don’t have any kids. I have tried dating, like meeting new men, for a long time and no luck. I have had many boyfriends and they’ve all been abusive in some way.

I have my own apartment that I am grateful for.

But I am so worried about the future. My job doesn’t pay that much. Like I can live off it but can’t put any in my savings. There’s really no other job options for me and the job I have is too time consuming and exhausting to get a second job.

What I really want is a house and kids. But I truly don’t think I’ll ever have that. I refuse to settle for a man who doesn’t truly respect me, and I really don’t think I’ll find that. I don’t even like men anymore. I mean I don’t like women, but I’ve met so many disappointing men that I don’t even want to keep trying to date.

I just get scared. Has anyone else been kind of in my shoes or can relate?