Never been truly loved by a man ...

[BewitchedBothered]

I know that sounds very dramatic ... yet when I realised this today it felt very painful.

I'm talking about real romantic love. Not liaisons, crushes, unrequited love, lust, etc. I think it must be amazing to truly love and be loved by someone, but it just seems to happen for some people and not others. I am open to this now, but it feels like its getting a bit late age-wise for me.

I've been reading through this thread. And wanted to offer a suggestion to all of you feeling this way, as I do.

Childhood neglect and or abuse. Repeated patterns of rubbish romantic relationships.

I've been informed of attachment theory. Have a look and see where you are on attachent, and see what you can do to change your style. _ it doesn't have to be fixed.

I've discovered Jonice Webb, running on empty, to be an amazingly helpful book. She has a free Website too.

Peptides keep us going back to and or staying in toxic relationships. Have aa read about peptides and narcissist relationships.

I'm now trying to change the damage done, before entering into any new relationship. Friend or romantic.

Good luck to you all

I feel exactly the same way OP and it also makes me feel very sad.

I am 51 and have had the one relationship in my life only - my marriage - which ended due to emotional abuse. The divorce was horrible.

I too would love a loving, kind, calm and fun relationship with someone, and I am also terrified that I am running out of time. Not sure what to do about my shame and self loathing and general shyness however.

Im 45 time is ticking away. However, we are the generation to push back... We women are not on the shelf at 50 or above. Nope!!

Running on empty no more has lots of advice on what to do about those issues, all stemming form the lack.

Other literature too shows the styles created by different attachment styles, and what to do to change the ones you wish to

Once you, see or recognise your patterns, you can then begin adapting to better styles that serve you now. They served us as a child....