I hate this.

[Blondiebrownie]

I hate taking my DS's out and seeing family picnics, I hate being by myself all of the time, I've been to a fate today with them and seeing all the families together bothered me more so today.

It's knowing that I have got to spend an evening by myself, seeing families walking down the street together so happy and knowing that I want nothing more than what they have, I had what they have but it was taken away from me.

Don't get me wrong I love my time with my DS's and I wouldn't change them for the world. I wish everyone who was enjoying the day with their families happiness but I cannot help but feel empty as I am continuously alone.

I don't see family due to abuse and my friends haven't had babies so they're not interested.

I've moved 8 times in 3 years and I've got move number 9 coming up so I haven't got somewhere I can call 'home' yet.

I've been single nearly 2 years now so it's not like I've got to get used to it.

I agree that there a big differences between being a single parent and being lonely but I don't think the difference is actually the loneliness. Though it's definitely not the same loneliness (if that makes sense) It's the worry. There's no back up. It's the embarrassment of admitting to those oh so happy couples that you're not one. It's the annoyance of people telling you single parents don't have children as good as their loved up counterparts and the fear that their DF will just not come home with them one time.

I'm new to this... 2 months 3 days in.

Raskova my post wasn't aimed at you.

However, having been single for a long time, I still maintain its the patronising "oh plenty of people in relationships still feel the same" that grinds my gears.

And the "grass isn't always greener" posters are really adding nothing

Until you are totally alone, and responsible for everything, then you really shouldn't be giving the metaphorical pat on the head

it is patronising

I've been a LP for 6 years . This used to bother me but over time, it doesn't so much. I rarely notice what others are doing anyway; but I've always got my head in the clouds ! It gets better.

its the vulnerability too. scared at nights, and if anything happens to me theres absolutely no one in the world for DC.

and like last night the ndns were having an allnighter Ibiza nightclub and I wish I had a partner to go and shout at them -they do things on purpose cos they know we are alone.

things like that.

and also the practical stuff.
im technophobic so have no one to fix cables and things, im disabled so have no one to climb ladders/DIY/paint walls/garden etc etc.

its the doing EVERYTHING alone.

I know how you feel. I know I sound like a bitch because I have a close friend who has a loving dp but in the past she went out with 2 of my ex boyfriends. I'm not sure why but I kind of resent that she has all the happiness and support when I would never dream of going out with an exes boyfriend.

I always think the LP house share things look great. I'd love a wife
PLUS you get another child to entertain DC, admittedly this could mean more noise and someone to do the odd hour babysitting if you are willing to reciprocate.

Sadly I am not in a position to do this but it may work for some others who are lonely and thinking of moving?

I'm not a lone parent and I totally sympathize. Part of the reason that I am staying in a really not very happy marriage is all the reasons on here. I know that it makes no practical difference, but does it help you to know that some people do understand, at least a bit?

I make sure that whenever there is a couple type thing going on I get together a Group of single friends so that no-one ends up feeling that they can't go. I also offer to have the kids over at the weekend so that they can have free time if they want.

I know it's not much but I hope that it helps my friends. I also hope that you find some friends that can club together and help each other out as well.