First, I want to say, thank you V. Nobody has said such sweet things to me in a really long time. And I believe you have many of those fabulous qualities likewise.
Coconut, it makes no sense to me why someone would use all these filters and put their best pictures forward when they don't look like that IRL. I would be so hurt if someone was let down by how I REALLY looked. So I make a note to put real pictures on my dating profile. One with straight hair, one with curly, full body, make up and no make up. Also one with me enjoying real life stuff, like me waiting a turkey leg and kissing a stuffed bacon while drinking beer. A guy I am talking to now said the picture of me without the makeup (he didn't even realize it) was my best picture.
I have wanted to join up a meet-up froup for board games, because I love them and I thought it would be a good way to meet new people. It is very brave to walk into a room of 20 people you don't know. And see, you had a great time and realized what you REALLY needed.
With your personality traits, which seem similar to mine ( except I am not an alpha male) you will probably do great meeting people organically, in a setting like you were in. I have my best success in those settings and I always felt more confident because I was simply being myself, and someone was attracted to that. My last BF I met at a group fitness gym where we had class together 5 nights a week.
I think dating might find you, keep your eyes open.
