One of the best ways to keep things simple and light is to make it clear that you're not with only this one person. See many people, and make it clear that you're seeing many people, and you will keep everyone at arm's length, if you want them to be. If you find yourself falling for someone, you gradually see other people less and slowly commit to this one person. It's so depressing when my friends have about four or five. They constantly have guys around, and it seems to me that I'm a complete loser and nobody wants to go out with me.
Some people just work better at other ages.
You may have personality traits that are great and that will serve you well a few years from now. You just have to be patient. Also, you need to be careful never to get your opinion of yourself from other people. I suggested it, frankly, and it wasn't even an idea I had for more than two seconds before I actually said it. I was talking to an editor here, and I was also an editor here myself.