Has anyone found love after being single for years?

[LivNicely]

I’m sorry if this topic has been covered loads before, but I’m currently feeling so sad and deflated about another short romance ending.
I do not know where I’m going wrong, but I cannot seem to find a man who wants a relationship (with me). I’m so saddened by the thought of being single forever (I’m 38, no children). I learned too late the importance of finding someone that showed me kindness and respect. I wasted my youth on men I’m sure you all would have sent packing way before I did. My hope of being in a happy relationship is fading fast, and just wondered whether there is anyone that yearned for a relationship for a very long time, that finally found someone to love. I guess I need to hear your experiences to keep my hopes alive. Thank you.

Absolutely, I separated from my husband and spent almost five years single, I dated lots but never anyone serious enough to settle down with.

Then I met the guy I’m with now, been together five years and are getting married in September, at 38 you’re still young..

I know OLD has a bad reputation but don’t rule it out, me and my best friend have both met our amazing guys on there.

My partner only had a few short term relationships until he met me in his 30s and we are now 21 years down the line. He had basically given up hope so it proves you never should.

Thank you both so much for sharing. Already your posts have made me feel better. OLD is hard going at times, but it has obviously worked for you @2me2u2u2me, your best friend and many others. So I’ll keep persevering with it!

Yes, at 39.

Yip.
Last relationship ended (after 14 years). Was single for 6 years (lots of date but no one special). Now 2.5 yrs into a relationship at aged 46.

I got divorced in 2012 at 33 and it took until my 40th birthday to meet a serious partner. None of the rubbish dates and crap short term things in between were anything of note.

I know you are looking for happy endings, unfortunately I don't have any. After my 6 year relationship (2 years of it married) failed aged 36, I did date afterwards and had a brief but intense relationship for 2 years, from the ages of 37-39. We were unfortunately at different stages of our lives, and at 39 I was desperate for a family, didn't want to waste any more of my time (fertile years) in the vague hope that I'd meet someone soon who'd also want this with me. It seemed like a huge gamble. I went down the IVF route and sperm donor earlier this year and am currently 15 weeks pregnant.

How important is having children to you Op, out of interest? Is this something that has been an issue in progressing the relationship?

I must admit, now that I am on my way to getting what I want (a child/family), I feel less anxious, disillusioned, depressed at the thought of having a relationship again. I think the pressure has now been removed in finding a partner to have a child with to I'd like to take my time, get to know them and see where it goes.

Thank you everyone for sharing. I honestly do feel better, just knowing that I’m not alone in how I’m feeling.

@anthurium Congratulations!! I have definitely considered using a donor and have tentatively looked into it. I would love to be in a loving relationship (as I have never experienced it) but as I get older, having children is becoming a greater desire. It was an issue in my previous relationship, where he was certain he did not want children. But since that ended, I’ve been single. At the moment, if I met someone I wouldn’t be desperate to have their child, but I respect that could easily change within a year from now. I wish you all the best for your pregnancy and beyond .