People who felt stuck, lonely, and behind in their early 20s, what changed and how did your life get better?

I’m 23M and recently started my full-time job. My long-term goal is to switch to a better-paying role and eventually move to a metro city because I feel like my current environment is very limiting.

I work from home in my hometown, where there aren’t many opportunities to meet new people or socialize. Most of my free time is spent at home, and it often feels like life is just passing by while everyone else is moving forward.
I used to go to the gym consistently and felt much better physically and mentally, but I lost that routine, gained the weight back, and stopped going. I’ve recently started again and I’m trying to stay consistent.

The biggest thing weighing on me is my love life.
I’ve never been in a relationship, dating apps haven’t worked for me, and I don’t really have opportunities to meet women organically. I genuinely want to experience a loving relationship before marriage - not just because I don’t want to be single, but because I want to love someone and be loved back.

Lately I’ve been anxious about the future. I keep thinking: what if I never meet someone I’m genuinely compatible with? What if I eventually feel pressured to settle or lower my standards just because I’m afraid of ending up alone? That’s something I really don’t want.

I also compare myself to friends who have moved to metro cities, have active social lives, are dating, and seem to be experiencing so much more than I am. It often feels like my life is on pause while everyone else’s is moving forward.

For people who genuinely felt this way in their early 20s, what changed? Did moving to a new city help? Did your social life naturally improve after starting work? How did you meet your partner? Was there anything that completely changed your perspective?
I’d really appreciate hearing real experiences because right now it feels difficult to imagine things getting better.