Many people struggle in the dating scene. You may feel that you're doing everything you can to meet that special someone, but bad luck is keeping you from achieving what you want. Perhaps it is your assumptions about love and the opposite sex that's really stopping you.

There are many myths regarding romance and if you find yourself out of options, it might be time to do some myth busting.

I am entitled to love

Do you feel you should have succeeded by now? Are you approaching dating with a sense of entitlement? Then you might be going at it with the wrong attitude and unknowingly ruining your own chances. Nobody is entitled to happiness, it is something that requires hard work.

If you believe that you deserve a certain outcome you are less likely to go after it and assume it will simply come to you. Unfortunately, that is not how the world functions. Some are lucky enough to find the woman or man of their dreams in high school. You have to accept that you are not one of those people.

Once you have, announce your positive attitude to the world at large in subtle ways. Show that you're comfortable with your current situation by understanding that you will not necessarily follow a preset time line. Have patience with yourself and those you wish to date; nothing is as attractive as someone who seems content with their life and comfortable in their own skin.

Fate will make it happen

Some tend to believe that they will meet Mr. or Mrs. Right by chance simply because they are destined to be together. If you are one of them, you need to reconsider your point of view: It is unrealistic.

Think about the couples you know. How did they meet? A majority of the people in the world find their loved one at work, in their home town or at school. Fate doesn't usually come into it; availability and common ground does.

Fate may bring two people together. However it will not make you seem interesting or ask the other person on a date for you.

It has to be love at first sight

You may accept that relying on fate or destiny to arrange your dates is a bit too idealistic, but you're still clinging on to the idea of whirlwind romances and love at first sight. If you have refused a second date with someone because the spark wasn't there, this may apply to you. Maybe you have set your expectations too high.

Dates can't always be perfect, relationships never will be and people shouldn't be. Some couples end up living happily ever after, simply because they gave each other that all important second or third chance.

The traditions should be kept alive

Some men get uncomfortable when a woman approaches them romantically and some women believe men should always make the first move. Both of these groups may be losing out on many potential partners for absolutely no good reason.

Women tend to worry about what image they are portraying if they actively go after what they want, but most men will find it flattering and intriguing if they are asked out. Those men who don't, are not right for you anyway.

In other words, get with the times and realize that both sexes may initiate contact.

I am too shy

It might be hard for you to initiate conversations with strangers or you feel anxious around large groups of people. While it might seem harder for you than for those blessed with a forward and outgoing personality, there are plenty of reserved people who have found love. There is no reason why you should be the exception.

If the thought of walking over to a stranger just to chat with them seems too daunting, there are other ways to go about it. Smiling is always attractive and within reach for most; it might get them interested. Asking a friend to introduce you and to help you spark some conversation is another option. If you are more comfortable when communicating online, you can sign up for a dating service or just actively participate on forums and in chat rooms.

The key is to not let your shyness stop you, but rather work around it.

All men are idiots and all women are difficult

Do you feel that if you meet a friendly, easy-going girl, she must be a rare exception? Do you think that because your last relationship was a failure, you are likely to experience the same again? If so, you are probably judging to soon and coming off as hostile to those around you.

Bitterness is not attractive and will most likely repel any approaches from the opposite sex faster than you can say: “My ex was really bitchy”. Women are not a group consisting of similar personalities, neither are men. If you continuously make bad choices in regards to partners, you may want to look at the type you are attracted to. Judging 2,5 billion people is not the answer. Open your mind and focus on being approachable and easy-going, as well as concentrating on the positive personality traits of those around you.

I am just unfortunate

Do you sometimes feel that you just have bad luck when it comes to romance and love? Did you know that those people who are viewed as lucky, are usually those who make sure to be at the right place at the right time?

Life is in many ways about creating opportunities for yourself. The bigger your pool of potential partners is, the bigger chance you have of finding the one who is right for you. So get out there! Go to social events, take up popular hobbies and show yourself off. Perhaps your luck will turn?