Hi Shadix, from my perspective when I have liked someone I have usually got to know them quite well first - very true with my husband. I fall in love with the 'soul'.

He did approach me first but not in a braggy, pushy way, he was just friendly and an interesting person and his interest in me was obvious - he really wanted to know who I was and what made me tick. When two people find each other interesting things will just flow.

I don't think you should 'settle', not only for you, but how awful for another person to be the one who is considered 'settling'. It would be denying them a chance to find the right person for them.

No, I don't think you're doomed - but I would recommend really examining your thought patterns - we can go into negative loops without realising it.