Ah yes! Sorry, I should have mentioned that. I am in my early 30's, dated a few women in my late 20's after a long break from dating, and was ultimately not successful. I am reasonably attractive/average, and can strike up a fun conversation, though I struggle with my longer-term relationships because I don't often have a lot new to share in life, and I love listening to other people's lives, as much as they're willing to share. I can always ask great follow-up questions and keep the conversation going smoothly — but I mention all this because it's certainly a core insecurity I have, that people may think I am not sharing enough with them because my life is so simple, and my interests are niche enough that I feel rude boring people to death about programming and gaming. Outside of that, I love politics, but that's a tricky topic.

I can relate a lot with what you said. I think deep down, I have a sincere desire to be married and (maybe) have children. The children part feels draining to me just thinking about it because I cherish my alone time and hobbies SO much. I know if I meet someone who respects my hobbies and alone time without any drama around it, that woman and I would be a very happy couple.

I'm with you though: I mostly prefer to engage with what I love doing alone, including eating. I will go out to eat with friends on occasion, or cook a tasty meal for friends hanging out at my house, but I generally have the luxury of solitude. One of by biggest fears is being bound to a regular interval of social activity, so if anyone ever tells me "We should do thing X or Y every Tuesday!", I panic, and soften the request with: "I may not be able to every week, but I'd love to from time to time. Let's figure out a day that works next week!" and go from there. Nobody is entitled to your time that regularly, especially as we get older and more committed to our responsibilities.

Finally I'll say, if you do decide to "get into the game" again with dating, just be upfront with whomever your partner is about your habits and preferences. It's hard not to feel like an asshole about it, but there are tactful, kind ways to strike compromise and understanding with those you love. When communicated as a deep need of your own, rather than an indictment against their social wishes, it can go a long way. Not everyone will agree or be amenable to that, but they also don't exist to shape your calendar or lifestyle. Another tip for early relationships, if you find there is tension around how much time you spend together, saying something like: "You know, I love spending time with you, but it's going to take some time for me to adjust to dating again. I've spent the last 10-20 years of my life comfortable being alone and chasing after my life without a partner this whole time. Thanks for being patient with me as we both adjust to this awesome new relationship!"

It's okay to expect others to adapt to your relatively non-intrusive ways of living. On the flip side, if you desire companionship with others, and thusly, a romantic relationship, some compromise will be necessary, but having secure, level-headed conversations about this with people is 100% the key. The empathy will flow both ways. I recommend reading "Attached" by Amir Levine for more insight on secure conversations with anxious or avoidant people.

"I just really need (and enjoy) being alone or being able to enjoy my interests without others interacting with me a lot of the time, and I know you love hanging out doing X and Y, and I love spending time with you whenever we're both feeling it, so let's play it by ear!"

Anyway, thanks for reading my novel. I hope this helps. It's encouraging to meet another person who feels the struggle between contentedness in solitude and our need for relationship.