Reply #53: She may have had later plans-

[MiltonLeBerle]

you didn't really describe the set-up...are you co-workers, or someone else you were meeting? was it a date, or "just getting together for drinks"? how long had it been set up? Do you know if she's seeing anyone?

there are a myriad possibilities- don't put the onus on you...
btw- what exactly is a 'contemptuous & pitying look'? It sounds like you might be doing some projecting. stop beating yourself up.

where do you live...? It may sound goofy, but a personal ad can wok, especially if you're in/around a big city. I met my wife thru an ad I put in the weekly Reader.

above all- confidence and self-assuredness(not to the point of arrogance and narcissism) counts way more than anything.