ON TOPIC: Ultimately, in my abundant depression, I abandoned the quest for meeting women (or men, or transgendered) in hopes of better learning how to conduct and control myself, and my emotions.
It can be a double-edged sword...just make sure that you don't get going with anyone based on something...fabricated, or embellished. In other words...don't over-play what you've got going for you and DON'T LIE about what you don't have going for you.
Another thing that I've found helps? Get reallyreally good at something...like the drums.

People can't get enough of me when I'm playing drums, or bass, or guitar...whatevs.
Whatever you end up being good at, someone(s) will take notice. Even if it is something as simple as being yourself.