This topic is about a 48-year-old man who has lived with an ostomy bag his entire life and is feeling discouraged and lonely while using dating apps. He finds the experience superficial and is frustrated by the lack of responses and the fact that any matches he does make are far away. He is beginning to question himself and is losing the motivation to continue trying.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights that might help:

1. Engage with ostomy forums and chat rooms. These spaces can offer immediate support and a sense of connection with others who understand your experiences.

2. When dating, be open and confident about your ostomy bag. Treating it as a normal part of life and using light-hearted humor can help others feel at ease and show them there's nothing to be afraid of.

3. Use humor and self-deprecating jokes as a coping strategy and ice-breaker. This can make conversations more relaxed and enjoyable.

4. Remember that living with an ostomy is your normal. You've adapted to it, and others can too. The ostomy community can provide the understanding and support that non-ostomates might not be able to offer.

5. Consider finding relationships offline through shared activities like work, hobbies, school, or church. Meeting people in person allows your true self to shine and can help avoid the challenges of long-distance matches. If you're unsure about something, ask a trusted friend for honest feedback.

6. You're not alone. Many ostomates have faced similar emotional and social challenges. The community is here to offer encouragement, advice, and a bit of shared laughter.