as hard as it sounds, what potential mates really find attractive about others besides looks is general postivity, outgoingness, and confidence.
that, and nice well groomed appearance and semi expensive clothing too can help.
i am not saying don't be honest about the things you worry about and feel bad about, or have doubts on, or frustrations.
Its just that potential mates or girlfriends and boyfriends are usually looking to fill the void in their own lives with reassuring, positive, fun, ahppy and confident people.
So even if it all the hardships of life and the weight of the world are getting to you, still try to put on a good face to everyone you meet everyday and always try to be positive, cheerful and fun. You'll quickly find out how many can accept one's faults, because the good stuff is what they want to be around.
case in point. one of my close friends is a hot female, she's now like 37 but looks way hot, like she's 23 or something. She's so amazing to be around because she always if focused on being positive and is so outgoing and cheery. Even though many aspects of her life suck.
She is the prototypical outgoing, attractive, and fun person which would explain why she would never go more than 5 minutes without a date if she wanted. Often, back before she was married, she would be dating 2-3 guys at a time.
good looking, outgoing and fun people just serve to show us how easy it is when you have it that good. and they take it for granted. people like me who are not hot and are introverts and sometimes negative really have to work at it to be positive and fun and gorgeous, it does not come naturally or easily.
Some of us need to work at it and others don't...but if it gets you in the door as far as friends and realtionships its worth it and then over time if someone is really your friend or lover they will like you in spite of your weaknesses but at first you almost have to de-emphasize all your demons or flaws etc.
THERE IS someone for everyone, sometimes more than one, or more then twenty. For some of us, its harder to find that one, it doesn't get served up on a platter and sometimes we are forced to wait...