Is this unusual?

[FairyCakesss]

I split up with my ex 7 years ago and in that time I have been completely single and haven't met or dated anyone at all. I'm still what I consider to be "young" I'm 35. I have been celibate the whole time. I just haven't had the time or opportunity to date as I'm with my children full time (they don't see their father) and I don't have anyone that would watch them. Anyway I mentioned it elsewhere and a lot of people were very shocked and seemed really surprised by it and thought it was extremely unusual. Has anyone else been in this situation, what do other completely single mums do? I can't be the only one who has remained completely single for years? Would you find it weird? Is it just me? Apparently I could have found time within 7 years for a "quickie" 😂 definitely not what I would want! Did anyone else actually remain single whilst their children were young? (Not asking if anyone who is married would stay single as it's one thing saying it but a different thing actually doing it)

Are you happy with your status quo?
If so, what difference does it make what other people think?
Post separation, like you, I was celibate for a very long time. Didn’t bother me because I was busy and never met anyone I fancied enough!
You do you. Sod what others think.

I don’t find it unusual; I find it healthy. I was single for 10 years after my love died, and now I’ve been single again for 3 after a broken engagement left me feeling completely done with men.

I think what is unhealthy is the idea that a woman needs to be with someone. No, you don’t. And how can a person heal and learn from a past relationship if they just leap right into something else?

also: everyone is different. I’m fuming at those people (well meaning or not), who think they get to decide what is right for someone else.

we all have different timelines of healing, learning, and it’s not a requirement for a happy life to be in a relationship! Especially seeing how many miserable relationships there are out there.

My DM was single for about 8 years when DF left. No dating in that time, like you, she had me full time.

I think it’s very normal for people in your position, it is very complicated to introduce a new partner when you are the sole carer of your children and often the children aren’t prioritised. Ignore other people’s opinions! You do you and if you and your children are happy that is all that matters.

7 years without a date here too. Single mum to 1 child. No family/friendship group to look after my child to be able to even try. And I wouldn't want my son to meet a partner before I knew it could really go somewhere

Normal. I don't have time to date (two primary kids most of the time) and quite honestly there's no men out there worth bothering with when you're late 40s.
I'm assuming that's me done now.

Thanks all glad it's not just me was starting to feel like a bit of a weirdo. Wouldn't say I was 100% happy with the situation if I didn't have children of course I wouldn't have spent 7 years celibate but equally I'm not prepared the bring strange men to the house when they are here or leave them with babysitters so I do feel sad but it is what it is!