OP here: Yeah, that's long been my fear with dating a friend. I'm somewhat reclusive, so the friends I have I value tremendously.

I have more than my fair share of issues; but I still am hoping to find someone.

The problem as I feel it right now, is that as a 28 year old anime/game/science fiction geek, is that the only venues really accessible to me right now are primarily anime clubs and conventions (I know of one science fiction club in the next city; but it clashes with my work schedule). At my age, it feels like all the girls I might meet at an anime convention are either too young for me, or already in a relationship. It's mildly frustrating.