I disagree on the dating part. You should date and you should try to enjoy that aspect of your life. Let others decide what they can handle and what they can't handle. You would be surprised. I have been with a man going on 3 years now, I call him my husband because this how I see him. Believe it or not he is an athlete. He plays many sports and is an avid golfer and tennis player. I call him my muse because his drive has rubbed off on me and I have become athletic and physically fit despite all my ailments. I am now even living out my dream and dancing classical ballet.

I felt the same way as you initially, but it was my father who gave me a good shake and told me that everyone deserves love and to let others be the judge and to stop making people's mind up for them.

So now I am passing that on to you. You are a young woman with a lot of life ahead of you. Don't stop dating, companionship is very important, and can be very healing as well.