I can strongly relate to what you have written. My relationships all seem to have followed a particular pattern. I'm now at a point where I have little energy to begin the whole process again. I also feel that time is against me. In my view the other respondents have made many good points. I think it is necessary to change ourselves before we can hope to attract a different kind of person, and thus more stable, long lasting relationships. I guess that potential partners pick-up on subtle clues in our behaviour. Unfortunately this probably has the effect of filtering people, in such a way that the pattern is destine to repeat. I've now decided to embark on counselling. It will probably take a while, but I think it will help in the end.