Unable to be in Relationships... Help?

The first time I got "close" to a guy was when I was 22 - I had a big crush on him during college but he graduated and moved away. We got back in touch a few years later and we started seeing each other. He was dealing with certain "life issues", and I literally put my life on stake just being with him. 3 months later I found out he had been cheating on me with other GUYS. I was just glad I got out of that relationship alive (literally).

6 months later I met a guy online. It was pretty much lust at first sight - or love at first sight. It was my first "real" relationship. I was 23 at the time. I dated him for 5 months on and off. It was very rocky because my parents didn't approve of the relationship and that put a strain on it. I finally broke up with him because he said something along the lines of "you're clingy" (me being really independent, that just tore me apart - I was crashing at his loft at the time while I was apt hunting). I tried to get back with him, but he didn't want me back. He said he had enough (bluntly put). He did tell me during one of the times we were "off" that if I wanted to be successful in my next relationship, I should try not to be this "closed off". 2 months after we broke up, he found another girl. A year and 2 months later, he's still with that girl. I find that he isn't afraid to be "public" about his feelings towards her - he was "public" about his feelings towards me in the beginning, but he started hiding our relationship towards when we broke up - maybe because he thought I was hiding him from my family... idk?

I've had a couple of guys that I've been interested in since I broke up with him (3 in the past year to be precise). The first one - I thought I was dating him (I didn't really like him completely, but I was definitely intrigued) - we slept together. 2 weeks later, I find out he's with another girl. That was over a year ago - he's still with her.

The second guy I was interested in - he seemed genuinely interested in me. And then all of a sudden he decides he just wants to be friends. I cut him off for a while. But since we had mutual friends, it was hard avoiding him. Now we're just friends and hang out once in a while.

I see girls who get in and out of long lasting relationships - how does that work? I have trouble finding ONE guy that I'm interested in. In the past year there were only 2 guys that I was genuinely interested in, and both of those didn't work out. What is wrong with me? I'm 24 and yet to have a real relationship. In the meantime, I'm hung up on the one relationship that I had with that one guy last year (I realize the only reason I'm hung up on him is because that's the only "good times with a guy" that I can think back upon).

I really need help. I'm 24, successful, independent, social and good looking (from what I've been told). I have a lot of friends - 99% of which are guys. They get along great with me. I don't want to date any of them - but I do find one occasionally that I want to date - but he never ever is interested in anything other than just being friends with me. Why can't I sustain a relationship?? I'm really tired of being single. I want to make someone happy. I want to be the person that makes him happy. Or should I just turn lesbian? Help?

How does someone "turn" lesbian?

I can go both ways. Never really dated a girl before.... I'd still prefer a guy though. But if that doesn't work out - you know what I mean?

That was a joke.
But seriously though - that's something I could consider. I'd prefer a guy any day (personal preferences), but... I've never really dated a girl before. Who knows?

Well you are only 24 years old, I wouldn't give up hope yet! But you do have to put yourself out there, if you are not meeting men where you are, branch out into new experiences. Also I know you are independent but if you prove yourself to be so self assured that you don't need any help, maybe they don't feel needed in your life? Men like to feel needed in that way-have them check the oil in the car, lift heavy things, even if you can do that yourself. They also like the chase, so maybe don't sleep together at first?

You can't sustain a relationship like the one you want for two reasons. One, most guys at your age are jerks and still trying to grow up. Good luck finding a decent one. Maybe go to where decent guys hang out like church or volunteering somewhere. You need to hunt them. Forget the bar scene. Two, you need to raise your standards and monitor your patience. Do NOT settle! You will regret it and waste time if you do. And be patient enough to wait until you find a guy worthy of you. Nice guys are out there. But so are jerks. Learn from your mistakes. Make a list of desirable and undesirable traits and pay attention to it. I'm a nice guy (way older than you) and wish I would have met a nice girl at that age. Make this search important that you don't settle because you are impatient. If you do this, you will find him.