Competition, that's exactly what I'm seeing with relationships. Which person offers the best deal etc etc. Lots of delusional individuals out there.
I'll say this I was in a long term relationship but been out of it for 4 years now. Getting back into the dating world was like entering the jungle with no gear, no survival skills what so ever. It's been a long journey, these past few years. I've gotten advice from female friends and relatives basically saying to be selfish but I can't be this way. I refuse to be. I'm 32 yrs old and dating today just seems so different with Facebook Instagram dating sites etc. It's an adjustment because some people are looking for unicorns, men and women, instead of being realistic. I do not believe in soulmates, practicality is what I base my relationship on. Is he mentally/emotionally stable, goal oriented, career/financially smart, values family and loyal/honesty. For example I dated a guy last year and he was ambitious, smart etcetera, my one friends gripe was that I could get a guy who looked better in the face...wth. She literally said I could get better bases on appearance. People are too focused on superficial attributes. Beauty is subjective. Character is what's important to me. Dating today, most seems to be out for self, in a not so good way.