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Original poster

Longest you’ve been single?

104 replies

BananaSlug · 20/08/2023 20:23

There’s lots of talk about women staying single and not wanting to date and not needing a man but I don’t know anyone irl who feels this way and all the women I know are dating so out of interest what is the longest you have been single? (as an adult obviously) Completely single no friends with benefits/ sex, nothing. Or if you are single how long have you been single? Just wondering out of interest.

OP posts:
WorseDecision · 20/08/2023 20:26

I haven't been single since I was 17, still with the same man.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 20/08/2023 20:46

I'm 44yo and and have only had two short relationships (both less than a year long.)

Completely single the rest of the time.

I think I am quite unusual though 😂

Original poster
BananaSlug · 20/08/2023 21:21

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 20/08/2023 20:46

I'm 44yo and and have only had two short relationships (both less than a year long.)

Completely single the rest of the time.

I think I am quite unusual though 😂

Come to think of it my uncle is like this, he has been single basically all his life and doesn’t seem to be interested in meeting anyone but I don’t know any women who feel the same.

OP posts:
Original poster
BananaSlug · 20/08/2023 21:22

WorseDecision · 20/08/2023 20:26

I haven't been single since I was 17, still with the same man.

I often wish I had Met the one so young! Would have been a lot easier

OP posts:
Biscuitandacuppa · 20/08/2023 21:23

I’ve been single by choice for 6 years. I’m 47yrs old and a single parent. No plans at all to date. Quite happy with my own company and my cats.

SamW98 · 20/08/2023 21:23

I’ve been single almost 4 years now and it’s the longest ever time.

I'm over 50 though with a 23 year marriage behind me.

Babdoc · 20/08/2023 21:24

32 years- since DH died.

NoraLuka · 20/08/2023 21:25

2 and a half years, between leaving ExH and meeting DP. I wasn’t even really looking for a relationship tbh, could have stayed single for another few years!

DreamersBall · 20/08/2023 21:28

About 15 years. I don't know why, there's something wrong with me I guess. No one's interested and I don't go looking

BounceyB · 20/08/2023 21:28

5 months. From March to now. I've never been without someone basically.

TheGirlFromTomorrow · 20/08/2023 21:29

I really can't remember. It's usually not too long in between flings but I had fewer relationships in my thirties. Before that, I was chaining them.

Maybe a year?

I tend to find it pretty easy to find someone who is interested. Not at all easy to find someone I really really like though. So I end up having a lot of trial runs.

Satch76 · 20/08/2023 21:29

10 years single, my child has Sen so it's complicated. But still my choice Grin. Life is easier for both of us this way

OldTinHat · 20/08/2023 21:31

Single 7yrs and have finally found peace and happiness in being so.

albalass · 20/08/2023 21:32

After a 5 year relationship that ended when I was 23, I was single for the majority of my 20s (one 18mth long distance relationship in my late 20s). With hindsight, it took me until I was in my 30s to properly get over my first relationship failing. In contrast I was single for a much shorter period between relationships in my 30s.

Cupcakekiller · 20/08/2023 21:33

I'm 43 and have spent 10 years in proper relationships, so have been single the majority of my adult life.

Zanatdy · 20/08/2023 21:33

12yrs. Dated someone for a few months, single again. Perfectly happy single, I’ve got a lot of friends and I’m always out. None of my friends are truly happy in their relationship / marriages. I answer to no-one and whilst I enjoyed the brief dating spell earlier this year (same guy) it also bought a lot of hassle. Will stick to my lovely pooch

Yfory · 20/08/2023 21:34

Single for 18 years so far and mostly happy about that.

21ZIGGY · 20/08/2023 21:34

Currently since 2018. Did have a 1 night stand about 18 months ago. I only know 1 couple who are genuinely 100% happy. Some of my friends husbands are awful, like, the worst. And you read so many posts on here about nightmare relationships.
I barely ever think about men. Im 40. Never had that need or want for a long term relationship or kids. Always been independent. Have good money now, live for my dog and my nephews. Go away on no notice, generally do what i want! Pretty much would only give that up for gary barlow

Cupcakekiller · 20/08/2023 21:34

I have dated loads, had situationships, one night stands etc etc but I don't class those as relationships.

User135644 · 20/08/2023 21:35

BananaSlug · 20/08/2023 20:23

There’s lots of talk about women staying single and not wanting to date and not needing a man but I don’t know anyone irl who feels this way and all the women I know are dating so out of interest what is the longest you have been single? (as an adult obviously) Completely single no friends with benefits/ sex, nothing. Or if you are single how long have you been single? Just wondering out of interest.

Women being single and not looking to date after divorce/being widowed is probably more common. Younger women less so.

Redpepperss · 20/08/2023 21:36

DreamersBall · 20/08/2023 21:28

About 15 years. I don't know why, there's something wrong with me I guess. No one's interested and I don't go looking

I don't think there's anything wrong with you just it's a slim chance to meet people organicly now. I know most people prefer to meet organicly but unfortunately as you get older and busy with work... online dating does seem rhe only way!. I've been on 2 dates and had a good time.. didn't become anything but it was a social/positive experience

elsbelsx · 20/08/2023 21:37

My first relationship was at 22. I was with him for 4 and a half years, was then single for 10 months and have now been with my current partner for almost 5 years.

albalass · 20/08/2023 21:38

@Cupcakekiller That's an interesting way of looking at it - I'm also 43 and have been in 'proper relationships' for 14 years in total (so from age 18 I've spent 11 years being single).

MuMmaOf3littles · 20/08/2023 21:39

Not since I was 17. Met now DH just after my 17th birthday and I'm now 31.

RoomTetris · 20/08/2023 21:39

I was completely single from age 21 to 26 after my first long term relationship ended and I loved it. I did a masters, moved 3 hours away, got a job, met a whole new group of friends and basically just enjoyed my own company. I met DH and hope we will stay together but if we ever did separate I would never want to start over again. Too much work and too much compromise. And I'm older and even more set in my ways now haha.