Coming out of years of depression, I feel confident enough to be myself again, and confident enough to go after women like I used to. But I don't want things to be the same as they have/had been...

I haven't had a girlfriend for over two years, and we were only together for two weeks at that. I date online, but when I attempt to make the move from online messaging to texting/phone calls, I usually get some bullshit about "I don't know you well enough yet" or "you have to earn something like that."

I'm not down with that kind of thing; there's something about women setting "terms" on me that's always rubbed me kind of wrong. But the people around me tell me that's just the way it is. In fact, when a woman tells me, especially online, that I have to "earn" her phone number or more pictures, I tell her that I shouldn't have to "earn" anything; she should give me those kind of things because she wants to and for no other reason.

I do sleep with the odd girl every few months, but nothing ever moves beyond that hookup phase. I also date interacially to a large degree (black male); I live in Midwest USA.

So, I'd like a little bit of feedback on what my situation from those who are on the outside of it. Am I doing something wrong? Am I looking for the wrong type of person? Is dating interacially in this part of the country difficult?

I'd like to know where I am so I can know how to best proceed. Thanks, folk.