flamencophil, I prayed that prayer for many years for myself, and now also for you. There is someone out there. I know you have thought about this and formulated plans in the past and nothing seems to pan out. So I ask you to think about this: when are you the happiest? What is it that you do that makes you feel like this is what you were born to do. Focus on these more and less on the mate. People with similar likes as you are out there looking for someone. A passion for a hobby can help spark another, more deeper kind of spark. And make sure you include God in your search. Don't just pasively pray for assistance, pray earnestly. Find a church, and if you are not comfortable there, keep looking until you find a way to understand God.
Many things in life are contagious in a good way: laughter, happiness, sadness, depression. Surround yourself with people that exhibit positive traits and before you know it, you will find that you are happy as well. And maybe one of these new friends will become much more.
No guarantees, but one thing is for sure. You must find happiness before you can share it. You must be happy with yourself.
I could be way off the mark, I'm just basing my answer on my own life. When I stopped looking for the perfect person and worked on myself, relaxed, and allowed people to see the real me, I was able to build relationships, rhomantic and others as well.
But know that you are not alone in your prayers. We are praying for you. I am praying for you. I am praying for your eternal happiness as well.
You came to this web page for a reason. I don't know how religious you are, but I believe you realize you can't do everything on your own. You asked me to pray for you, and I will. But look to God and see what you need to do for him so that he can truly help you short and long term. He loves you. He will hear your prayers, and the closer you get to him, the more you will be able to understand his responses.
In brotherly love,
RCF