Fundamentally, that's the issue, right? 5 pictures and 3 written prompts are not enough to gauge your potential to connect with a person. So it becomes a numbers game, and you're gonna end up falling into a routine, streamlining things in a way that verge on being callous, etc.

Thank you for taking the time to let me know I'm not alone in it. Some other commenters were talking like it's not modern dating that's soulless, it's just me. And while I'm always open to the fact that I, like anyone, have glaring blind spots in my self-awareness, I know how intensely I love people. And I know just how much feeling goes into every part of this for me. I never said anything about it being easy for me, or me being indifferent to anyone.

I think I need to take your advice and find other ways of meeting people as well. Seriously considering going back to school in the fall (for professional reasons), and that may serve as a good opportunity.

Great to hear from you. Wishing you all the best!