Another birthday on Friday, and I feel I've missed the boat for marriage and family - anyone have any tips to find a man later in life?

[Lostgalyyy]

It's my birthday on Friday and I will turn 29.

I have only had 2 serious relationships and only ever lived with one. I broke up with my ex in February because he didn't want to move forwards with us at all (also some mil issues - mummy's boy).

I'm happier about myself and who I am since ending it, but now I'm like shit, I'm 29 and single. I've been on many dates but haven't had that ok just yet.

I'm starting to wonder what's wrong with me and I am beginning to feel empty without that special person in my life. I am very busy and don't feel lonely, but I can't deny that something is missing - and it's that amazing feeling of being in love.

I'm so scared I won't find that again. Life is busier now and the last of my closest friends got married on Sunday. In fact, most got married by age 26. It makes me think something is wrong with me - why didn't my relationships work?!

First time I've felt the fear... I feel like I'm missing the boat. Hate birthdays, I doubt I would worry if I wasn't another year older!

Oh my God, I thought you were going to say that you were about my age, I am 50! You have nothing to worry about, you are so young, just get out there and enjoy your life, there is plenty of time for settling down later on. I am feeling your way at 50 years old and still holding out hope (prob not for kids though!) - seriously, do not worry, just enjoy being young!! x

I got married at 25, still happily so nearly six years later. And I'm no better or worse a human being than you are, it's just the luck of the draw. But people get married in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond all the time. It is spectacularly common. They're no more or less happy than people who got married young, either. I can see advantages to being settled young, and also to doing it later. There are things I've gained from marrying and having DC in the 20s, things I've lost. It's the same whatever decade you do it. Also, stop paying attention to the shit people put on facebook. It's all for show.

Brokenhearted, I too would've posted in your thread if I'd seen it.

At 29 I quit my job and moved abroad for 3 years, fell in love, moved in with a guy and then he cheated on me.

Ended up back home at 32 having had a great time except for the ex and really feeling I had missed my chance.

A year ago tomorrow I met up with someone I knew 10 years ago, we are currently having an extention in our house built and have 2 cats together.

Trust me 29 is not old at all! When you do find the right person you will be happy you got to spend time in your 20s being single and having fun.

29 is a tough year, it's always better to be at the beginning of a decade than at the end of one. At your age I was also single, no kids... I didn't meet my husband until I was 33, married at 35, first baby at 37, second at 39. I think the key is to not think about it, live your life and the happiness that that brings is a very attractive quality. I met my husband while doing a round the world yacht race

Please don't fall into the trap of thinking that another person is what you need to make you happy. The only person who can do that is you.

Once you move away from feeling 'complete' because of a man, you'll be fine.