I've been with my partner for 20 years. We were introduced by mutual friends. I broke every rule in the book - I was freshly separated from my ex, we had sex on the day we met, I moved in with after six months and we've been living happily ever after. It's probably more about good luck than good management.....but all's well that ends well
I have to say that some of the perennially singles I know have expectations which may make finding a partner more difficult. My guy is an average joe in appearance and I'm taller than him. He's not tertiary educated, though he has worked his way up the ranks. What I look for is personality and approach to life and my guy is just right for me.
Never regret anything that has happened in your life. It cannot be changed, forgotten or undone. So, take it as a lesson learned and move on.