I am a pretty independent person, and have prided myself on the fact that I'm able to be okay without having a significant other in my life. I know way too many ppl who become empty shells if they're not in a relationship. I never want to be like that.

But every now and then, I just start thinking how nice it would be to fall in love. I think I go to the extreme of sending out "don't go near me" vibes... because I'm afraid. I don't feel very attractive, and I've been hurt a lot by the ppl that I've wanted to be in relationships with. At some point, I stopped getting crushes. It's been a couple years, and I miss that rush. I want to get a crush... and I want it to build into something more solid and real eventually. But it's been a long time since I've met someone I could ever want in that way. I don't know what to do!

I'm a case manager, and at work a lot of my (all male) clients get crushes on me, and hit on me. Sometimes their attention just highlights to me the lack of attention I'm getting from the guys I want it from... and the guys that are date-able for me.

Any advice on meeting ppl? I hate the online thing, and I don't party. Any advice on becoming more comfortable with myself so I don't send out that insecure vibe??