Refusing to date hurts your love prospects. If you want to connect with someone, you have to open up. Without proof, you can't exclude others.
If you're compatible, you'll overcome it. If you go away, you'll never know the difference. Love is vulnerability. You could get wounded or get the best thing ever.
You're placing too much pressure on yourself and this other person if you think you need to settle down by a specific age to be happy or successful.
If history repeats, you must let go and go on. You shouldn't waste time on the wrong person when there are lots of individuals who will treat you correctly.
Self-love and respect are essential. Remind yourself you deserve all the love. Ask for it.