Taking a Brake From Women, Texting...etc.

[lemmings]

I do think there are certain subset of women
who have a strong character and are immune to the vile influences of peers, dating apps, and social media and that they make great partners

This. Truth, I will write this directly to you because I think this advice will help you: despite whatever negative experiences you may have had in the past with women and the world of dating, I promise you women do not naturally hate you - for example, that co-worker you used to work with obviously liked you and saw the good in you. You two are still in touch. I don’t know your personal situation, or hers, but she liked you for you, regardless of whether she found you physically attractive or not. I’m not telling you to go after her, but what I am saying is that women are attracted to the positive in you: you might naturally be a more negative person, but the right person will only come along once you accept yourself for who you are and embrace both your positive and negative characteristics. Only then will you be able to find someone who is right for you. I think some of this is already dawning on you. Good luck.