Morning philosophizing...consider yourself warned.
When you say, "given up on love," it really depends on what you mean by "love." (And, of course, what "is" is, but that's a subject for another day.) Do I believe I'm suddenly going to find the perfect soulmate, prince on a white horse sort of thing? Well, no. I actually did give up on that one a few decades ago. But do I believe that I can form deep, meaningful connections with a friend who then becomes more that a friend and an integral part of my life. Yes, I do still believe in that, I have to. If that isn't a possibility, then what are we all here for? (And I don't mean just this thread.) But I'm also not going to spend my life, or a big chunk of it, twiddling my thumbs waiting for that to happen.
I had resigned myself to being permanently single a long, long time ago. Figured I'd end up one of those crazy old ladies with too many cats. Then someone wonderful came into my life. We were togther for seven years and most of them were great. He eventually decided that he needed to move on and that was very painful. I was really sad for a very long time, and still am when I think about it. BUT, if I had the chance to go back again and not get involved there's no way I would take it.
I can understand someone giving up on the idea of romance, though. To me that's a very different thing. We tend to get drawn into a vision of a perfect fantasy romance, but that's not something most of us can sustain, I don't think. You find your "happily ever after" by concentrating on "happily during." Love, like life, is built step by step, day by day.
Personally, died-in-the-wool optimist that I am, I still believe in romance, and love, and hope. Without them life would be too bleak. Whether romance will ever be a part of *my* life again, well, that I can't say. But I keep on loving, because I think that I, and the world around me, are better for it. And I keep on hoping, because, well, just because, I guess. And I concentrate on building a life for myself that's full of interesting people and interesting places and things. If I ever do meet a "special someone" I'll have a lot to offer. If I don't meet him, at least I can enjoy the trip.
Have a nice day all, maybe I'll "see" you in chat on Sat.
BUT to hear so many younger people (DD and even some of her friends) saying they are giving up on the dating/relationship thing , and you saying it too made me kind of sad. Too bad all of you who feel like that can't just all find each other and maybe a match can be made 
We just have to keep looking and I think the Dismates chat is a wonderful place to start. 
Everyone needs to be there Friday and that includes you men. It's free and you never know when someone from your area will pop up in there. 
...our Prince Charming...our Tramp....our Goofy! 
Let's all work together and start getting some matches. 
