It looks like this other love interest is now in the black so to speak.
Still, back in my day you'd likely see that a girl had been with someone else when the 'love bite' was displayed on her neck. Used to be all the craze in my day - a visible (for a few days) token of having kissed someone and been intimate, albeit in the 1970s version of teenage intimacy. The love bite is a basic bruise caused by sucking, vampire like, on someone's neck - creates a very visible blemish for a few days.
Kinda like the facebook of today with its little tell tale notifier of being in a relationship or not.
I guess dating has become way easier - for cads! I know men who are on the internet and getting a 'date' every Friday night - or whatever they have free. It's not really a date - as a proper date would or should entail, at most, a quick kiss at the end of the evening when you escort her to the point of departure .
It's like your trying to get to know a women and she is duty bound to protect her 'honour' by not throwing herself at any man who passes her way at happy hour in the local bar.
Anyhow, losing in love is just part of life. some are lucky - others not so lucky. Either way, its a million times better to be single than to be a 'plus one' with someone who is not right for you.
Aged 21 you got a lot of time, God willing, or fate providing. But that time waits for none of us and with respect to love, I guess a man has to try and be chivelrous as regards any ex's - I don't hate any - never knew them long enough for that - but even so, you don't want to have any hate in your heart - because that is a destructive force indeed.
As for how to prepare for a date, here is what I recall from the past...
Obviously be clean! I'm sure you are but make a extra special effort for a date, a good hot shower, maybe some shower gel or a nice smelling man's soap. Brush the teeth well - and use some mouthwash also. A close shave - maybe a couple of discreet dabs of aftershave and hair washed squeaky clean with a decent shampoo. I use antiperspirant to stop any sweat, or if you don't sweat then use some deodorant.
Clean clothes - I mean a set of clothes freshly washed, and perhaps ironed also.
Look after yourself regardless - I mean physically speaking. You don't have to be Mr Muscle, but its attractive to women if a man keeps in good shape. It does not take a lot - I'm in my forties and still the same weight I was aged 21. Not got the same endurance obviously, as I don't exactly have some daily work out plan. Nothing like a date to make a man start exercising a little more.
Jut be yourself - its not with pretending to be something your not!
I wish you well in your search for someone - but try and just enjoy being a guy also - find a few preoccupations others than that of woman. Could be music, writing, artistic endeavours or such-like. After all, if you find the right women you and she will benefit if you both have other interests.
I mean, she might find it annoying if you want to hold her hand whilst she is washing the dishes. (Don't worry, I'm drying them and putting them away)
Being old fashioned, I'd say that loyalty means everything to men and women. Nobody is EVER going to be perfect - we all have flaws which we hide from everyone but those who really love us.
The Doors have a song called 'Love hides' and the lyrics tell us that ....
Love hides in the strangest places.
Love hides in familiar faces.
Love comes when you least expect it.
Love hides in narrow corners.
Love comes to those who seek it.
Love hides inside the rainbow.
Love hides in molecular structures.
Love is the answer.
It's all so true!
And so much more.
Good luck brother - and no, not all women will lie to you - in fact, your just unlucky there. I never met a lying women, even the ones bad for me were good. So I guess I'm lucky there.
I could still do with a Summer of Love though.
Couldn't we all?
Regards from England.