There's so much wisdom shared on this thread.
Thanks for all your perspectives.
Yes, I am happily singly nowadays. whenever I look back at my "record", I'm often surprised that I've been with plenty of women.
Many of them just friends and did not develop into anything more than that.
Of my relationships, I can only say I had 2 which were "real love" kind of deals.
So there are very few regrets. I have loved and been loved.
Today, in my middle age, I am in no rush to "Find" love.
I have pleasantly discovered that love is something that grows from within. That we can generate our own love without drawing it from an outside source if that makes sense.
Today I have only friends... and a few really close friends.
I've been very lucky in meeting some really good single male friends.
I love my single male buddies, though. I have a lot of fun with them.
If we were both gay, it would be perfect!
But we're not. That's HOW you know gay is not a choice.
LOL!
Of the women I meet in my life, they cannot top my guy friends. So what's the point, eh?
I'd rather hang out with my friend guy J or E, then. We have way more in common and laugh at the same things.
This makes me wonder if this is the situation many married men find themselves in.
They love their buddies because they share a LOT in common. (football, golf, etc)
wife is there just for societal expectations, family duty, really.
Also, I am very much aware of my limited time on earth.
Which really makes me very selective of who I want to spend time with.
You know I care about you if I spend time with you.
Because otherwise, I do not bother.
Which is the same thing I apply with relationships.
It has been mentioned that families play a big role in long term relationships. I am well aware of that.
On my side, I already have a huge family.
This is the part where I must mention I am an atheist. My clan is deeply religious with only like 5 relatives who I can count as atheists like myself. I am already put off with all the religious nonsense my relatives do.
Do I want MORE of that but only on HER side?
What would be the point?
Which is why sadly, I must also consider that when looking for a viable partner.
Anyway, meantime, I live life. I enjoy life.
That's all there is to it.
I enjoy seeing others do well with the love thing.
I been there, done that.
Maybe one day, romantic kind of love will find me again. Who knows?
