Positive stories from 40-something singles please

[KareninsGirl]

As the thread title suggests.

I'm early-40s and about to become single after a turbulent marriage. I really just want to hear some positive stories about life after marriage at this age.

Thank you

[dadwithbaby]

Am in a similar situation with 5 dc's and would love to know that there is life after 40 when coming out of a long relationship/marriage. Its hard to see the light and the end of the tunnel and personally it's hard to see how someone will see past the 5 dc's and see me lol.

[SolidGoldBrass]

I'm 48 and have been single for about a decade. This makes me happy and proud. I have never married or lived with a partner; my life is my own. WHere I am really lucky is that I have a DS and get on very well with his father so I can have a social life as well.

[OhWesternWind]

I'm in my early 40s, have sole care of my two children, work full time. Life isn't easy but it's bloody good. I can deal with anything, have come out of things stronger and more confident, feel far less lonely even though I spend more time alone. I've been enjoying going out on dates, got the possibility of something good starting with a new man. But no way will I give up my independence and freedom whatever happens.

I think I'm happier now than I have been for the last twenty odd years even though from the outside my life probably looks difficult and unenviable.

[gettingeasiernow]

I was left at 41 with newborn, spent the following seven years just concentrating on being a mum, ds number one priority but also focussed on me, being totally independent, earning enough money etc., not remotely interested in dating. Was wearing at times but overall wonderful. Met wonderful dh when I was 49, not looking for a relationship but was sort of ready, ds was 7 and ready for a male figure in our lives. Now married, age 54, couldn't be happier.
Regroup, focus on what's important to you, don't overstretch yourself but whatever you choose to do, do it well.

[KareninsGirl]

Thank you so much for your stories. It's sometimes quite overwhelming to think about starting again but I've found reading your posts inspiring!

[KareninsGirl]

Thank you so much for your stories. It's sometimes quite overwhelming to think about starting again but I've found reading your posts inspiring!

[FayeKorgasm]

I left my XH at 39. After a period of recovery, I rebuilt my life, kick started my career and bought a lovely home.

Moving forward, I somehow had a big promotion at work and met my lovely DH. We have been married for 3 years, my son has graduated from university and we have a wonderfully happy life.

I was determined to show that I was a competent and capable person, despite what my bastard ex said and did to me. I believed in myself and that I was much more than the scarred, fragile person who packed up a car and moved out of the prison that my home had become.

Good luck, breaking free is amazing!

[jayho]

I'm 50 next week [yikes] I left my dreadful marriage three years ago. I own my own (modest) home outright. I'm going back to work next week at the same professional level I was at when I left to have children 8 years ago (I know I'm lucky but equally I'm good at what I do) I have two primary aged children and it's tough. But, I'm really excited and looking forward to my future.

[SecretSix]

I got divorced at 37 and was very happy to be single. Learnt to dance, learnt to ski! Joined a 'social organisation' - sounds terrible but great fun for activities. I've met two men since, one turned out to be a mistake but was fun at the time and the second is now my very very DP. Happier now at 46 than I can remember.

[Lweji]

About to be 42, separated (now divorced) for 2 years now.

Was ok on my own for a year, but still dealing with twat ex. Started online dating about a year ago, then dated a nice guy for about 10 months. However, there were some yellow flags and I wasn't that into him, plus had DS to consider, so called it a day a couple of months ago.
Happy by myself and can't be bothered to try and find someone else, unless it just happens.

Mostly catching up with friends, making new ones, catching up with my reading and got a bit enthusiastic about a self defence class that I started because of ex.

I quite like being on my own, although obviously sometimes it would be nice to have a true companion.

However, life at home is much more relaxed and happy.

DS has had much more opportunities for contact with other children and different activities and is becoming much more confident around other people, enjoying meeting new people and making new friends.

And it has been easier to go out and enjoy myself without ex at home than with him in, and he would hardly go anywhere but shopping, sometimes.

[HenWithAttitude]

Divorced at 44 after a 23 yr marriage. 3 DC. I am very confident and happy alone. I would like someone to tackle spiders and plumbing but I have bought this fab device and have a plumbers number...

Have my own house and live as I want. I think everyone should make sure they are happy in their own company so that they don't 'settle' for any relationship rather than the right one

I met DP and am looking forward to a fun future with him. We like the same activities, are both independent home owners, solvent, happy to live alone but enjoy being together.

[piffpoff]

I have just called time on my 19yr relationship a few days ago, just got tired of the same old complaints from DH with nothing ever changing. I'm 46 with 2 DC who don't know as yet.
I feel sick most of the time but do have moments when I think it's going to be OK. I am hanging out here looking for people in the same boat and am very encouraged reading these posts. Am not thinking about another relationship at all but would like to be in the same position as some of you, solvent, socially active and happy in my own skin.

[KareninsGirl]

This makes very positive reading, ladies, and I am really pleased there are others here who are reading and benefitting from seeing there is life after separation.

This is helping me so much, so thank you.

[postmanpatscat]

I left exH when I was 41 with 2 dc. I dabbled in online dating and met now DP nearly 3 yrs ago aged 42, he was 46. We are blissfully happy :)

[dippymother]

I was widowed at 48 after a 23 year old marriage and two DCs 19 and 16. Met DP two years later and we are blissfully happy.

[comingintomyown]

I am 48 heading to 4 years single and once the heartbreak passed its been wonderful

I am myself and beholden to nobody and just do what I like when I like

Just now thinking a man would be nice but I doubt I would live with anyone ever again

[MatureUniStudent]

Hello, and what a wonderful thread. My father died and my husband left me all in the same month. Four DC one with ASD and two with heart conditions. Another diagnosed deaf. Four operations later and four years on I am so so so happy and strong. I have waved one darling DD off of to Uni and got my youngest DC happily in Seondary School. I am heading too quickly towards 50 and in my energy levels dropping but its bliss to just kick back and do sod all if that is what I fancy. Married life was never relaxing or mellow.

Unlike another poster I can't change the toilet seat! But I can use a drill now, and talk about football like a true pro to my teenage boys. My DC have no contact with their father (he needs a life apparently) so I am full on 24/7 but as the DC are older they are positively pushing me to go out and meet a man!

I'm never lonely and so much more relaxed and happy. I am rebuilding a social life (STBEXH seems to have a penchant for my female friends, something I only found out after he left - so I'm an expert in betrayal!) and don't even think anymore about being the single woman at dos with no partner. And it seems no one else cares either!

It would take a v special man for me to want to get remarried. I'd think far longer and much harder about it than I did when I was 20.

[SmallSherryforMedicinal]

Great thread.

[sipofwine]

This is such a fantastic thread - such positive stories! I am going through a long and painful separation and have been feeling a bit sorry for myself. Basically read about separated women who have children meeting a new man and immediately think 'Oh I bet she's young and gorgeous though!' It is so great to read about women in their forties feeling so positive about being single or meeting a lovely partner who clearly didn't want a 20-something girl to pair up with.

[hilbobaggins]

Loved being single. Met DP when I was 42. He was 35. Been together 3 years and I had a baby a year ago! Love being a mum but part of me misses the freedom and answer-to-no one joy of singledom... I think you're going to be absolutely fine.

[feelingvunerable]

Thank you for this thread.
I am in my 40s and dh has just left.
No idea where I will end up but this thread makes very positive reading.

[SunshineBossaNova]

Thank you for this thread - 41 and considering whether to leave.

[elastamum]

Fifty next yr. My DH left me at 45 with 2 DC in primary school. 5yrs later am happier than I was for a long time prior to my divorce.

Have 2 lovely teens, doing well at school, good job, living in my own home with the DC and our 3 dogs and have a wonderful DP who I met 2 yrs ago. And who still puts up with me

[KareninsGirl]

Thank you once again for sharing. It is just so heartening to read these positive stories and as another poster said, have it there in black and white that it's ok, that life can be good and that some of you are now happy in relationships too.

Positive and powerful stuff, for which I, for one, am so appreciative.