Melee combat question

How in the flying fuck do you damage somebody with a sword? Sounds like a retarded question but it's so damn tiring trying to attack ANYONE and have them perfectly deflect every single attack that I throw at them because fuck me if everyone in the Middle Age is a Jedi Master. What the fuck happen to counter attack? I waited for them to throw a hit, I deflected then follow up with a hit just so they can deflect my hit back and counter attack me. This keep happening until he's out of stamina, THEN he decided to sidestep me out of reach, regen his stamina and the dumbfuck circle continue. What the hell is the point of melee combat in this game when I can deal more damage with a bow and also use it on horseback? I've cleared 5 bandit camps and all of that was thanks to baiting them with a horse and the bow and that was some of the most shameful moments I've ever had playing a game. I am seriously considering uninstalling it because I have never feel this frustrated playing a damn video game before, and I beat all the Soulborne game with ease.