what if I never have a relationship again?

[teahouse]

I'm in my mid-40s and have been a single mum for 12 years - longer than I was married. I've not really dated in the past 6 years and can't really recall the last time I was chatted up.

Now my kids almost grown and gone I have started contemplating what sort of future I might have, and it scares me. I've tried internet dating with no luck and in the last six months no one has even contacted me.

The media is full of the elderly treated appallingly and it could be that I'll never really get to have a proper life before I get to that stage. What if the rest of my life is devoid of hugs, kisses and any support...what if the next 25/30 years are just more of the same emptiness I currently have.

I am trying to build up a social life but it's hard when you've not had one for years - how do you start? What will people think when they realise that I am such a sad and unwanted person; it must colour people's perceptions when they find out I've been single for so long.

There are far more women than men so never having a relationship again is a strong possibility but the thought of three more decades alone is terrifying. How do I deal with this?

Crazynannima what is it with those walking groups?! I also know a few people in their sixties who have met new men/women in them, and they all seem to have a blast/go out to events, they are like a bunch of teenagers. I also know two younger person who have met guys in a walking club for younger people, one has had two children, the other split up. I think they often advertise by age, so if you like walking, that's a great option, it will expand your social life no end.