Any other men feel like dating is exhausting unless you’re constantly proving your worth?

Lately, dating feels more like a task than something exciting. Whether it's online or offline, as a guy, I often feel like I’m the one expected to initiate, carry the conversation, and constantly prove I’m not just another creep. It’s draining.

And let’s be honest if I put something like “earning in lakhs” in my bio, the attention comes, but it feels shallow. Defensive. Like I’m being noticed for what I have, not who I am. Without those flexes, it’s like I don’t even exist.

Sometimes I just want mutual effort. Real interest. Not a situation where I have to perform just to be seen.

Has any man here actually found a genuine connection without flashing achievements or income? Or is this just how things work now?