If there is anything that women universally like about men it'd be 'confidence' (not overconfidence and arrogance).
At least that's my experience.
>> Given how butthurt I am with the topic, I admit that this discovery would hurt me a lot. <<
Why hurt - you'd get to have a better/happier life. You should not be dwelling on the past, "could/should/might have been" - no important, concentrate on the task at hand and what matters for you. No one has all the answers and clues, regardless how smart they are. The point is: if you don't try, you won't succeed for certain.
>> Given how butthurt I am with the topic, I admit that this discovery would hurt me a lot. <<
Why hurt - you'd get to have a better/happier life. You should not be dwelling on the past, "could/should/might have been" - no important, concentrate on the task at hand and what matters for you. No one has all the answers and clues, regardless how smart they are. The point is: if you don't try, you won't succeed for certain.