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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel like I’ve missed out on life by not having had this?

128 replies

Utttt10 · 24/08/2026 20:48

In short, I’m almost 40, one ds age 4, single parent, ex barely involved.

In my twenties I was attractive and smart and extremely lucky in many ways but I often dated the ‘wrong’ men. I know part of the reason I am alone now is because of those choices. But then I also see people meeting someone at 38 and going on to have 3 kids. Since a very traumatic break up with DS’s dad a few years ago, I lost all faith in relationships and sort of closed off to it all.

Here I am almost middle aged and no prospect of having more children or having a marriage. Even my experience of motherhood was damaged by ex’s truly awful behaviour. I do have some good things in my life and of course I adore ds. But gosh I never thought I would never experience a real true love, a committed relationship. Someone to renovate a bathroom with or chat to in bed on a Friday night.

I am not sure i even feel sad about it anymore but i certainly feel I’m missing out on a whole part of life that realistically most people have at some point or at least for some part of their life. Not sure what I’m asking really. Just feels a bit shit.

OP posts:
Bananacrepewithnuts · 24/08/2026 20:52

There's lots of time to meet that person.
You're only 40.
Keep an open mind and you never know who might come into your life.
X

Utttt10 · 24/08/2026 20:50

soothingaloevera · 24/08/2026 20:49

No, everyone's different.

@soothingaloevera they are but I genuinely don’t know anyone (literally) who has gone through life never having had at least one meaningful relationship

OP posts:
soothingaloevera · 24/08/2026 20:49

No, everyone's different.

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