40 - 23 = 17.
At 17 your hormones are almost at peak, and the strength of them modifies every experience exactly like a drug.
So it's unlikely (though not impossible) that you'll ever feel that kind of intensity again.
Meeting and getting to know the "right" person is always hard, no matter what the circumstance or which two individuals.
In retrospect, I'd say one has to be proactive, or the chances are zero.
Plus... It's more important to work on oneself to become capable of being an excellent partner. All of us have flaws, and part of life is about the continual quest to grow into a better self. Friction in relationship can be used to help that happen.
It helps if one gives up romantic ideals. Romance, by definition, is about fantasy, not reality.
