Choosing to remain single for life

[MsLydia]

Has anyone made the decision to remain single?

I'm doubting my (2nd) marriage atm and I'm increasingly feeling that I would just like to be single and completely opt out of the whole dating and relationship thing.

I have 2 teenagers as well as a preschooler and I honestly feel that the 4 of us together is enough.

I can't think of one single reason to have a man around.

it's absolutely fine to remain single, especially if you don't have an issue with being on your own after the children leave, but then again, you will still have choices when it comes to that point.

Are you making the decision to stay single or to leave a marriage?

You can make a decision to "remain single" but it's not irreversible, is it? At any point in the future you can change your mind.

I'm married at the moment, (only just), but could see myself quite happily long term single with maybe some occasional casual sex .

I did 20 years ago, and though I have had a couple of relationships, at least sort of, I have never married or lived with a partner. And I never will. Which is just the way I like it.

Yes, I will be single for the rest of my life. It has taken me a long time to accept that my life is happier this way. I simply can't see anyone else having the same direction in life as me. I want to travel and live in other countries - not just visit on holidays. I can't expect a man to up sticks and move whenever I feel like it. Relationships are about compromise and I just don't want to do that and give up my dreams.

I was married in my 20's but my husband disappeared after nine years; I came home one day to an empty house, he had moved his things out and started a life with another woman I later learnt! I decided to divorce him and give myself five years to find out who I was and what I wanted. I had been a daughter and a wife, but not just me.

About three years in to the five, I realised I loved the life, and chose to remain single for ever, I decided to just date. I always told boyfriends that if they wanted children and marriage not to go out with me. It worked out fine. No pressure meant more fun. I worked full time and started my own business in the evenings because I could, the evening job became my savour because I met lots of people each week, some becoming life long friends who I meet with still. The full time job has been wonderful and I have travelled and hand fun.

Just be honest with yourself and any one who asks, enjoy single life and relish in the freedom. Me and some frineds have just decided to go to Rio in 2016, and none of us have to confer with others, ask permission or think about it, we have just said....yes. We are all single and happy. I have more happy single friends than married or co-habiting happy friends at the moment. There is more than one way to live - all you have to do is choose.