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Relationships

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How to make peace with being single?

28 replies

Kylowren · 25/07/2025 11:29

I've been single for 8 years as a divorced, single parent.

The threads on his sub forum are enough to put anyone off being in a relationship, let alone dating through online dating apps!

I am yet to meet someone who ticks most of my boxes, iykwim.

I do enjoy my own company and when my teens want to spend time with me, but I can't help but feel a bit deflated that I don't have a companion to share life's ups and downs with.

Please give me a head spin! Men are so disappointing, even the nice ones it seems 😕

OP posts:
Twatterati · 09/03/2026 13:03

Great thread OP. I’m in the same boat but am older and my DCs have left home. Most of the time I’m ok-ish but there are some things which are more fun with another person and I can’t figure out how to have that without all the other crap! Not so much intimacy, but going for a nice meal, to the cinema/theatre and even a short holiday. I’ve yet to do those things on my own because I think I’d feel a bit awkward.

Definitely don’t want to share a home or finances with a ‘partner’ again. More and more females seem to be like-minded. I think we bring a lot more to a relationship than many men of our generation do and I can’t be bothered to look after someone else anymore (especially when they are more than capable of looking after themselves but appear to forget how as soon as they’re partnered up - not all men, I know that, but quite a lot).

LillyPJ · 09/03/2026 14:58

@Twatterati I can empathise but I do think it's worth being brave and getting used to doing things on your own. There are lots of holidays for single people (NOT aimed at pairing people up!) Small group tours are great because you aren't on your own and there's always someone to talk to. Going to a concert, the cinema or theatre is fine on your own too. Other people won't be judging you and probably won't even notice you're alone.

Boomer55 · 09/03/2026 16:30

Kylowren · 25/07/2025 11:45

This is it. Those are the things I would like too. Like you, I've got so used to solo life. I've met men who have wonderful attributes, but never altogether in the same person.

Certain factors need to be there: attraction, shared values and some interests, finances, respect and loyalty, etc... So yeah, would have to quite spectacular.

Yeah. Well three years on from my DH dying, I’m in a great relationship. It’s a distance thing, and I’ve no desire for 24/7.

But, we have a lot of good times, we are emotional support for each other, and a lot of laughs and great sex.

All good. 👍

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