To think I'll be single forever

[Tennisp]

Saying this half in jest but not sure anymore. Single for 7 years post divorce. Few flings and nothing more. Tried it all, haven't met anyone I want to be in a long term relationship with. Most people my age (40) are either married or settled down. The very few men I know who are single are either just wanting something casual or I'm not attracted to them. It didn't bother me before as I always thought I would meet someone eventually. After 7 years of being single I'm now wondering if I ever will.

Better to be single than in a shit relationship.

@PumpkinP I always had a theory as I approached my 40s that there’ll be lots of single men in that decade through divorce cause they chose the wrong partner first time around and that means it’s a prime age to meet a partner. Still seems like a decent theory to me and I hope you meet someone wonderful when you have some time for you, finally.

@PumpkinP sounds tough. Maybe you could try online dating? There were times when my DC were younger when it was nice just to chat to men even if we didn't meet up.

My mum was single for 12 years before she met her current husband after divorcing my DF. She's the happiest she's ever been. Don't give up hope OP.

@mildlymiffed thanks, haven't seen that thread before. Will go and have a look!

I’ve been told before I should just go online dating just to chat but don’t want to be seen as a time waster or pen pal. I know people hate that on old!

TreadLightly3 that’s could Be possible, though I’ve heard it’s such slim pickings. I will have to wait till they are old enough to be left alone. (Which won’t be for a very long time)

Very true @samtsirch and thank you. Enjoying life in the moment is very important whatever your situation.

I'm pretty sure that I want to be single forever. I was alone for 12 years after DD's father left (zero contact and I was working overseas) until she reached secondary school. Then one disastrous relationship, then was engaged twice. Never considered moving in with anyone because of DD, and now I'm just happy, have some time and space back, occasionally dabble in OLD still but in honesty only to prove that I could if I wanted to (date) I suppose. As a PP said, it's much better to be happily single than in an unhappy relationship.

@Lobsterquadrille2 yes of course much better to be happy regardless. I do miss the intimacy in relationships though, having someone to talk with about everything. I know you get that with friends but it's not quite the same. The feeling in a relationship when you're on the same page. Going out for meals, holidays together, dating etc. Damn, maybe I need to get back on OLD

I don’t think the alternative to single is a bad relationship. There’s plenty of good relationships. I don’t think there is anything wrong with wanting to meet someone.