Am I a horrible cynic?

[whatthecrocodilehatwasthat]

I don't believe in love.

Or at least I don't believe in unconditional love (unless for your DC) - as far as I can see most relationships involve romantic love, which quickly changes to anger and hate as soon as someone doesn't live up to your expectations - which really makes relationships a lot of hassle.

I seem to be the only person I know who is honestly happy being on their own, and really, really don't need someone to 'make me happy'.

I feel kind of liberated by it, or do you think I'm missing out?

it was said with love

not that shitty romantic love though

whatthecrocodile... another one here who likes being on her own and has no intention of getting in another relationship.

I don't think I'm cynical though. I've seen happy relationships and know that they're possible. I have friends who I love despite quite significant 'flaws' the same way I hope they love me despite mine. I see no reason why that can't apply to romantic relationships as well. I'd love to have a relationship with someone who really understood me and loved me in spite of my failings, someone who I cared about with the same passion despite theirs. However, I would far rather be on my own than settle for the wrong person, and the thought that I might never meet that person doesn't scare me in the slightest. I am quite content with things as they are. That's probably just as well, because unless you believe in fate (which I don't) the chances of meeting a decent, single guy with whom you share similar values, attitudes and interests while also mutually wanting to rip each others clothes off is... slim with every year you get older (most decent men have paired off already by their mid 30s).

Society finds it hard to accept women like us, however. Even my boss has attempted to matchmake for me! There is an assumption that a single woman must be a lonely woman. Bollocks! a single woman who wants to be single is possibly the most unstressed woman you're likely to meet!

optimist - you can join the club!

totally agree with you

when i say I'm single people always say 'oh dear, sorry'

being single isn't an illness

Oh dear no, it's being married that's rather like an illness at times!

I don't believe in love anymore, and I'm not sure that I really believe that there are really women who are happy in long term relationships. I think that generally women aren't true to themselves when they are in relationships with men. I think that the initial attraction clouds that, and I'll be very, very wary of getting caught up with another man.

Wouldn't mind a shag though