Just a word of advice: don’t listen to this meme. The games have a reputation for difficulty, which makes people think they’re supposed to slam their head against a boss until they win (which is how most games work). Souls-likes, when designed well, are made so when you find a boss and struggle, there’s many other options to win.

The best for ER is to go find some content you haven’t done and do it. You’ll unlock some new equipment and upgrade material while farming runes for leveling or spending. The teleports always being available mean it’s really easy to just go do something else. Just mark it on your map and go do something else. Next time you come back you’ll be stronger.