>(im not going the online route)
>but i keep wondering what the options are for meeting people
>that one might have something in common with
>and that are interested in a potential relationship.
>so.. the process is more frustrating

it's really difficult to meet people if you work a lot, which i do. it was much easier to meet people when i was younger. i've tried online, and it's disappointing. maybe i'm picky or something, but the pickings online are so slim.

>the only reason i want to settle is so i can stop having to do
>this

i sooooooo agree with this. that's where i'm at. outside of companionship, having someone to depend on, love, etc, i want to be with someone so i can stop looking. when my married friends talk about the difficulties of marriage and think being single is less stressful, i always tell them "you don't want to come back to this side. trust me."