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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:
BunnyLake · 25/08/2026 15:08

Tablesandchairs23 · 25/08/2026 11:31

Who knows what the future holds. Concentrate on building yourself a fulfilling life and make the most of what you have got.

Agree. If I could go back in time (with hindsight of course), I totally would have focused on building a life for myself with strong foundations so a partner couldn’t shake them. I would never live a life again where I am vulnerable, either emotionally or financially, to another person’s moods, flaws, issues etc. None of us are perfect but some need a health warning!

Dontlletmedownbruce · 25/08/2026 18:10

I was wondering what the relevance of you being short was. I thought this was damaging your self esteem in some way and figured you must be very short, perhaps a little person, and feel this limiting your prospects. I just realised I misread the first word. This is why I need my reading glasses every time I'm on MN. I already replied OP, I'm just glad I didn't mention your height issues

PeachyPeachTrees · 25/08/2026 18:21

You absolutely can meet the love of your life in your 40s or older. In the mean time, make the most of your current life.

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