Eric, you love so incompetently. With two left feet your heart does beat. You're very confused, and it's okay. No one knows what they are doing. I know you're rejecting that statement, but listen, other people pretend they know what they're doing. You fail obviously due to your frankness.
This transparency is not a bad thing.
You went through a period of time, in which, I believe you had your heart broken for the first time. Don't reject that one, either. It sounds cheesy, but you know it's true. You can now relate to a multitude of things you were unable to before. This isn't entirely good, but it's not entirely bad, either.
Anyways, this period of time has also left you stronger. I don't believe you will be putting up with as much junk from people anymore. Now you know to wait. That isn't the most important lesson you took away from it, though. I think your new-found ability to simply hesitate, and understand that something may not happen, and understand that if it's meant to happen, it will, is what is profound. You're second-guessing again. You're telling yourself that this is a conclusion many people have reached, that it isn't special. It IS special. Don't listen to that bullshit voice. It's special because it is a vast discovery in the universe of you. You now feel it, understand it viscerally. It's no longer advice from a friend. You know it, now.
Eric, I love you. You're loveable. It takes a while. But it will happen. The universe will align one day, and set in motion a series of events in which you will begin a journey of knowing someone. You've done it before successfully. Remember that. But this time will be different. You know how.
Relax. There are people in this world who love you right now, and there are people who will love you in the future. God loves you, too. You have more love than you need. It's a gift.
I tell you to keep cool. But you know, you don't have to keep so cool. Don't expect things to work out with this new person. We both know you're fully aware of this having an absolutely equal chance of being nothing, but keep at it anyways. There is no harm in what you're currently doing. Please don't make the mistakes you made last time. I love you and don't want to see you hurt like that again. Keep at it. Be yourself. Don't play a game. Know when to quit (Eric, you know what I'm talking about. Don't date people you're incompatible with, beliefs-wise. Has that ever worked out for you? No. It brought you stress.). I'll be honest, Eric, I have a voice in me telling me you will have to quit this one. But love out of it, anyways. there's another voice saying you won't. so let God take it in his hands. One awesome thing about this life of ours is that he's your co-pilot. If you lose control, he's always going to be there to back you up.

you know what else, Eric? I know your chest is sinking thinking about this not working out. Hah! So early, too. Good job getting rid of that "emotionally dead" bullshit. Anyways, it's okay if it doesn't amount to anything! That's what's so fucking awesome about this. If it doesn't work out, it's because there's something better in store. Literally, Eric, your only job is to keep doing what you're doing (enjoying life), and just wait. Waiting is such an easy task, my friend. All God needs you to do is recognise when it's not the right time, and simply move along.

I love you, Eric. You need to hear that from me more often. I'm sorry I'm your worst critic.