Lemmy users, how do you deal with the current dating sphere? Assuming you haven't found Thee One?

I feel dating kinda sucks, a large portion of my generation is chronically online and i feel many don't know how to socialize in person.

I recently was eating at a local dinner, and saw somebody eating by themself. I walked up and ask if this seat was taken and they said no. But looked like a rabbit in a wolfs den, i introduced myself and we both got to know each other. I gave her my number but never got any call or text.

I feel lots of people around me are unappealing, yes i know that sounds seminaristic. Ive tried a foss dating app called alovoa, because i feel every other dating app would steal your liver if they legally could. The app has brought me miniscule success, i have made one friend whom i occasionally chat with.

But it kinda leaves me in a state of i want to meet new people, because at least where i live. The dating pool is really small, and my job isnt a public facing job (machine shop)

Any advise from the elders of lemmy?