I've decided to remain single until kids are grown and left

[unsightlyegg]

I'm 50 and have recently
Come out of a relationship where it became apparent that we were fundamentally incompatible. I like a busy lifestyle, he was happy to sit on the couch for the rest of his life.
His laziness , negativity and lack of zest for life dragged me down completely so I've picked myself up, am exercising and losing body weight and
Socialising again.
My kids are 16 and 14 and have a fractious relationship with their dad which has taken
Them a lot of time and
Therapy to deal with.
I've decided to stay single until they are settled into UNI. I will be mid fifties then.
Is it too late to expect to meet a potential life partner then?
Will the dating pool be very limited, in your experience?
I will not be having any man move in with my children and I and I'm very sure about the type of man that I would
Like to spend time with.
I very nearly had a miserable cocklodger on my hands so am
Possibly defensive .
Thank you.

You do you

Doubt anyone will come on to say Yabu. It's personal choice

It's nice to focus on your kids. The dating pool is what it is, I don't think early fifties vs mid fifties will make a huge difference. As they say, you are only looking for one anyway, not 50! Enjoy mothering your kids, I say, while still keeping up your health habits and social life a bit. And after a while, you may feel ready to meet someone and just hold off on moving in together until your kids are settled.

I don’t think waiting a couple of years will make too much of a difference to the dating pool. What I have noticed with friends in my age group (50-55ish) is the fifty+ men are dating women at LEAST ten years younger; the women are being approached by men at least ten years older (in the main) on dating sites.

All of them (male & female) have previously been in long term relationships with people the same age as themselves.

Many women end up being really happy on their own after they get to enjoy a couple of years of single life and are less willing to put up with a crappy partner. Men appear to be keener to partner up. Obviously they are just general observations!

I don't think you're being unreasonable. However, what I would say is your kids are now well into their teens, if you wanted, you could date discreetly without them even knowing surely?