I’m a 30 year old East African guy, born and raised in the Middle East. I’ve only had one real relationship in my life. It started when I was (15m)and she was (14f). We were together for 10 years, grew up together, and ended things peacefully because we just drifted apart.
After that, I sold everything and started traveling fulltime for the next 5 years. That’s when things shifted. I ended up in a few situationships, and a couple of one night things. Nothing wild, just casual connections in different countries. Some of them felt close, and I’m still cool with a few but none ever turned into anything solid.
From the outside, I probably look like I’ve got it all together. Confident traveler, adventurous life. But deep down I feel like I emotionally peaked young. Like that one relationship I had was the one, and now I’m just floating through life, playing catch up while everyone else seems to be building something.
I’m on dating apps now, genuinely trying to find something real and wholesome. But it’s hard not to wonder: what if I already had my one shot?
My question is: Is it normal to feel like your deepest connection already happened, and you’re just chasing shadows after that? Can love happen again at this age when it’s never felt the same since?
TL;DR: 30M. Had one real relationship from 15 to 25. Ended peacefully after we drifted. Started traveling, fell into a few situationships and casual flings. Some were close, but nothing solid. Now on dating apps, hoping for real connection, but I feel like I emotionally peaked young. Is it normal to feel like you already used up your one deep bond?