Hi, sadly I've not been successful so far in finding a forever partner!
I'm 50 next year and have been single for a couple of years after a disastrous 7 year relationship ended when I caught him cheating with another woman and him conning me out of money and possessions.
I got over him very quickly but it has taken a few years to overcome the feelings of humiliation, anger at myself, anger at him and the woman, a burning desire for revenge and all the other emotional feelings at being so cruelly duped!
I have one child still at home (17 year old) and have dogs that are my life.
My finances have taken a nose dive and whilst I love my job I am on a low wage but the hours are great.
I don't particularly feel I need a man in my life but I do sometimes feel awkward in social situations at being single and the sympathetic looks at being 'alone' can be annoying! In fact, I wear a wedding ring just to let people assume that I am married!
However, I do worry about how I will manage in the future once my daughter has flown the nest! I will be honest, it is the financial worry that concerns me the most.
The failure of my last relationship really burnt me out and I just can't see me being passionate about anyone again. I am loving, kind and supportive in a relationship but do not want to be hurt again.
I've analysed my previous relationships, all three of them lasted seven years and all of them cheated on me! I accept that I have enabled some of their bad behaviour by being a bit of a doormat but I also think that I've been attracted to alpha men and had a foolish belief that if I was faithful, kind and loving, that I would be treated the same!
Would it be so wrong to settle for companionship with a man who might not be dashing and terribly attractive, but one who offers kindness, mutual interests and is caring?
I've had a life full of drama with good looking men who quite frankly have been cads and bounders!
Has anyone else contemplated this or is in a relationship where the passion and sexual desire is a small part of the relationship or simply not considered at all?
Thank you for any replies.