I'd be interested to get people's viewpoint on my current state of mind. For a bit of background, I'm in my early thirties, very much single and I have always wanted children. Every one else around me seems to be married with children. I broke off my engagement a few years ago (emotionally and financially abusive relationship - wouldn't do any house work, spoke to me with no respect, selfish etc). I've had a short term partner since who has wonderful but he didn't see his feelings progressing any further and sadly ended the relationship. My family background is very stable and my parents have been happily married for several years and my DF is a wonderful husband and father. I always expected I'd meet a man that measured up to the standard of my DF and after my last few relationships I am now very certain on which behaviour I will and will not tolerate. However, almost all my experiences with men, my friends DPs and DHs and all I read on MN is men being selfish and lazy, prioritising hobbies like x box and sports and expecting women to run the household and take responsibility for the parenting. I refuse to accept this and I would rather be alone than in a relationship where I didn't feel respected and got lumbered with all the work.
I feel the pressure of my age with regards to having children, but I have no inclination to date whatsoever. It's consumes so much time, energy and money and the likelihood is I will only be met with more disappointment - I just can't be bothered with it all. I'm beginning to think it would be easier to go via the sperm donor, adoption route, although I'd struggle to afford a child alone and I have three chronic health conditions so I'm not even sure I could physically manage it alone. My health conditions also affect my self esteem for example my weight (I thought this might be relevant to illustrate I'm not getting any younger or more attractive so my chances of attracting someone are falling).
My question is - WIBU to swear off dating for at least a year, to focus on myself and improving my health, or would I be wasting time I don't really have and potentially be missing out on some of the last good guys there might be left?