I think I'm settling

[Nasni]

I've been with DP for nearly 3 years. I'm mostly happy with our relationship but can't shake the feeling I'm just settling out of fear of being alone if I break up with him.
I'm in my 50's and all I hear about is the tiny pool of eligible single men for women my age. My single friends who'd like to meet someone are forever bemoaning their horrific experiences with dating apps.
I have friends but not that many very close ones. And my closest friends are in LTRs. We get together for social occasions but day to day we wouldn't be in much contact bar whatsapp messages.
I suppose what's really sparked my doubts this weekend was after I'd had a bit of a row with DP (quite unusual for us) I saw a post on insta about if you could wake up in the morning and your life was exactly how you hoped it would be, what would it look like....It got me thinking, I'd like to live with a partner but definitely wouldn't want to live with DP!!
Is good "enough" better than being lonely?

Yes, I think it is.

Many people think the grass is greener elsewhere but does that actual perfect partner exist? Certainly when your are our age (50), things are more complex, kids, baggage etc... and there will be things that are not 'perfect'.

What is wrong with DP that you wouldn't want to live with them?

Can you put into words what you would change about him?

Beware of shit Memes on instagram, they are designed to make you feel shit do you keep following them for uplifting quotes!

If you want to live with someone but it’s not your DP then you might already have your answer

Is good "enough" better than being lonely?

Being alone (single, on your own) is not the same as being lonely though OP. You can be lonely now, in a relationship. While single you can fill your life with other things, maybe you meet someone that way? Agree with OLD. Shudder at the thought of it and have heard similar horror stories.
I wouldn’t settle. 50’s is young! You are in the best years of your life.

I enjoy DPs company but there are little things I find irritating about him which mean I wouldn't like to live with him. He's quite stuck in his ways, I suppose. And has a confirmed bachelor vibe. He hasn't lived with anyone in years.
Without trying to sound superior, I've a far higher level of education than him and sometimes I find his knowledge on multiple subjects quite underwhelming. I've travelled a lot more than him and would be more knowledgeable on different cultures and cuisines. I earn considerably more than him but white that's not really important to me it limits where we go. For example, he can't afford a summer holiday abroad but I'm OK going away with friends and family.
We do laugh a lot together and our sex life is very good.

For having been together for three years, you don't sound like much of a partnership. More like you're dating. Is that what you prefer?

I wouldn't want to live with him, either! I suppose it depends what kind of life you could have on your own.

Actually that is what it feels like. Initially I think that's what I wanted but as time has gone on, I'm not sure it is.
He's a good date but I think I would like more of a partnership and that's not him 🥺

I think I'd be lonely and I would miss the fun....