How can I cope with missing a male guardian in my life? 🥺💗

Assalamu alaikum, everyone - may Allah bless you all. I always assumed marriage would fill the gap of not having a male guardian, but until that happens, I’m not sure what to do. Since I was little, all I wanted was a father figure. When my mum asked what I wanted for my birthday I’d jokingly tell her to go to a shop and buy me a dad, before I realised that’s not how life works. I felt really sad seeing dads with their daughters when I was in reception. I even liked spending time around my mum’s friends’ husbands because I craved that masculine presence. I still get attached to men who make me feel safe and looked after - for example, an uncle of an ex-friend or the kind man who helped me when I was scared the other day. Any man who seems protective or fatherly - a teacher, a doctor, whatever - I feel an emotional pull toward them. I don’t act on it inappropriately; I keep those feelings to myself and imagine how nice it would be if they were my father. I’ve never felt romantic attraction toward men who aren’t in their thirties. Since about age 11 I’ve looked for father figures. The worst times were around 13–14 (15 was hard too), but alhamdulillah I’m older now and doing much better. Trying to find that role in men led to hurt and being taken advantage of at times. Even so, I tend to trust people and assume good intentions - if a guy seems kind at first, I usually give him the benefit of the doubt. I think having a tender, trusting heart is a beautiful thing, but if it isn’t guarded it can make you vulnerable. There was a time I was actively searching for a wali but it proved harder than I thought. I stepped back for a while, and now I’m trying again because I don’t want to be hurt anymore. I just want to feel protected and cared for. I don’t know how to handle this sadness from not having a steady male guardian. InshaAllah marriage will help fill this, but what can I do until then? Jazakum Allahu khairan for any advice or duas. May Allah protect and guide you all. 🙏🏼