It's to paint directly on the canvas without any funny business as it were and I use almost pure turpentine to start with adding oil as I go along until the medium becomes pure oil. I use as little oil as I can possibly help and that's my method.
I think the best thing for you to do is just live your life. Live a life that's worth living one where you do what you want to do pursue your passions. That way if you meet someone they'll be joining a life that's already really good.