I've noticed in relationships I have this habit and I'm wondering whether it is common amongst other people.

So basically, I've noticed that when a girl is really into me and wants to work things out, I tend to back off and become a bit distant... then suddenly when she backs off and becomes distant I started being more keen and wonder whether I should pursue her and be with her etc. It's as if when I'm with her, I generally think about the negative aspects and how she isn't x y z and how I don't like this or that but then when the prospect of walking away for good hits me, I start thinking about all the good things, what I would miss out on, what I would be leaving behind and ask myself am I really making the right decision here? It's like that saying "You don't realise what you got/had til it's gone." So for example if a girl wasn't replying to my texts and being distant with me I suddenly start feeling like I need to pursue her! When a girl backs off I feel like I want to get back with her. Maybe I just find it hard letting people down, even if it's the relationship isn't working.

Does that sound fimilar? Does that make sense? I'm not quite sure why I'm like this to be honest. Maybe as I said it's cos I don't like hurting or disappointing people.

The more I think about it though, I feel it also could well be the age factor that's making me re-consider this relationship and question myself whether I have made the right decision to walk away. Maybe if I was 22, this would be easier. I would have years left to find someone, to meet new people, I would relax and things wouldn't be so tense and panicky. At almost 30 it's a different story. I really don't want to look back and feel that I made the wrong decision here... what if I don't meet someone else etc.

Finding a suitable partner is not about finding the most perfect girl on the planet. We all have to accept faults and traits in our partners we don't appreciate. Waiting for Mrs. Perfection will leave you a lonely person perhaps.

It is also possible that you are rushing your relationships. Take time, get to know them, and maybe those irritable traits you won't find them to be such a big deal. Rushed relationships generally fail.

It does sound like you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Let it happen naturally and slow down. Remember, you aren't perfect as well.

It is very common (among men) to be pursuers, and some want only the chase, while others want the chase and conquest, and others want to actually stay with the woman once she's 'caught.'
I'm not following your leap from 'not missing what you have until it's gone' to not wanting to hurt people? I think that you need to admit that you are just one of those chase guys.
Please don't settle just because you are almost 30. Ugh!
Love takes work after the romance is over, but can't you at least start in love?

Of course it is common for after the fact, people romanticizing the past and forgetting what the hey they broke up for. Then too it could be a slight twist on 'if I can't have her, I don't want to see her with anyone else' so maybe I should have... Remember there must be something that brought you to the point of break up. Don't look back unless you seriously know in your heart that you messed up and should and can reverse your decision.