Men (and any women in this subreddit since this isn't necessarily gender specific), I have been working on being content with myself, yet I cant shake off the feeling of loneliness/ lack of romantic relationship in my life, what has helped you fight that feeling?

I (29M) know its kind of a weird question but if you would read this with an open mind and honest advice id appreciate it.

To start I will say I am not CONVENTIONALLY alone. I have friends, family members, strong communities around me that make me feel accepted and I enjoy being apart of. I have a strong support system and offer support back to the people around me. That said there is a part of me that aches when I watch romance movies, when I see couples in the park having a good time, when I see 2 people sharing a booth and having a nice meal enjoying each others company in a space.

It use to bother me very little but recently I have noticed that ache has been getting louder and louder, as I have been working on being "content with myself". I have never had any success on dating apps, in person asking people out you name it. The most basic of relationship/ affection milestones I have not reached (from as basic to holding hands/ dating to the complicated). This isnt from lack of effort either.

I do my best to have a good personality, talk with people FOR THE SAKE OF TALKING AND HAVING A GOOD TIME NOT INHERITLY GOING INTO EVERY CONVERSATION/ INTERACTION WITH THE INTENT TO ASK SOMEONE OUT (i know this is a big thing some will try to point at first). I have lost over 70 pounds to improve my physical appearance. I make sure to have good hygiene and photos (updated for apps since losing weight).

The big thing I have worked on for a few years is what people have told me "enjoy being you, be content with yourself, enjoy what you like and continue having experiences". I was told that once I am happy with who I am that people pick up on that and it makes dating/ getting dates easier (not saying guaranteed but easier).

I understood that conceptually and have like i mentioned worked really hard on likeing/ loving myself, and I am glad to say I am at a place where I strongly believe I like who I am. People say I carry myself with more confidence now, that I have better conversations than before, that there was a bit of an energy shift. Socially speaking I am a graduate student with good job prospects in the future, and I am 6 foot (which I know isn't a guarantee but i have been told by men and women its a bonus).

That said for the life of me, no matter who I eventually end up asking out, it still has been rejections through and through. In person its always a kind rejection, and I burn through 3 dating apps worth of likes a night, and for over 5 years of being on them even after my improvements still I get no likes, and that eats at me a bit tbh.

Again I am happy with myself as a person, especially now, but the lack of romance in my life is eating away at me in a way where I feel unworthy of it. Like I carry a sign over my head that says "no matter how he has improved avoid romantically" that everyone else sees and I dont. Like I am missing something inherently that creates interest in women to say yes to at least a first date. I am scared as I get older, women will want to date people with partnership experience, and this is just going to get harder for me, only making me feel more lonely even though I am content with who I am.

I guess I am asking (both men and women who have experienced similar), how do you do it? How do you deal with the intense feeling of loneliness even though you are content with who you are as a person? Also any general advice for dating would be appreciated.