settling or wasting time?

I'm so afraid of 'settling' that I don't even give people who are worthwhile a chance b/c the constant gnawing idea of 'settling' for something I don't know if I truly feel keeps surfacing in my mind and heart.

Not only am I afraid of settling, but I am also afraid of settling down.

I'm so afraid of settling down, that I waste time with people I know I can't settle down with b/c they don't meet the few key uncompromising criteria I have had ingrained in me since youth.

I sometimes wonder if I specifically choose these people for the sheer reason that I know I can't end up with them.

I'm slowly beginning to think that I am a masochist.

Some higher power, please tell me what to do.