Me, too. I would tell myself i was only joking-flirting, because sometimes the people were really bad matches for me, but pretty much they were never interested and it was always one-sided. Now it seems creepy to ME that i used to do that! But like you, i understand the reasons why i did.

One thing was, i didnt accept or understand that my family of origin really did not like me and were always looking and waiting for someone else to like me. So i was always looking too! Now i feel like i DO have people who know and understand me, and even like me a little just as i am, IRL and online, so i more sit back and see what people have to offer me, what THEY bring to the table. You have friends here too