Katie agrees, "I have a friend who always talks about how she and her husband and this couple and that couple went out for a fun evening. It reminds me that I don't bring the requisite male to the mix, therefore mess up the balance. Why can't the three of us go to dinner? Stephanie has seen a difference in the way she's been treated socially when she's had a significant other: I am not sure why inviting a single person is perceived as throwing off the party. And at times when I have been in a relationship, it is amazing how much more I was included in social events. Helaine, who has kids, felt the shift after her divorce, "What I don't understand is how before we all had plans as a family, but now no.

Since you're not friends with my ex, why did you stop inviting us over or accepting requests for family plans? Why can't a married family still make plans with a divorced family? Ellie yearns for inclusion: Girlfriends, know that I rely on your friendships Time and again, single women describe the added importance of their female friendships in their lives. Please know how important you are to me. I may seem fine living like a hermit, but having friends I can call at any time makes me feel as though I'm not alone," explains Anne.

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Joanne is thrilled to have good friends: When I hear about mature women who get a man and just drop their friends, it's a tough pill for me to swallow. Thank God Carol was still there when I came back, tail between my legs.


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She never said anything about it but I vowed that I would never drop a friend like that again. Ellie has been on the receiving end of being dropped by married girlfriends -- in her case, after her divorce: It sucks to have women who were once your friends decide that you are suddenly the devil because you are not with their husband's bestie.

One of them actually told me that we could still be friends as long as I didn't bring up all of the 'garbage. I told her to fuck off. And when it comes to making new married friends, Sue is surprised at the attitude she sometimes encounters: It is so funny to me that my 9-toyear relationship doesn't count but their 6-month marriage does -- or their serial marriages, in some cases! Just because I'm single and 50 doesn't mean I'm desperate and will date anyone Many, but not all, women who are single in midlife would like to be in a relationship and do enjoy dating.

Sue describes "that wonderful feeling of first dates, that thrill of starting over. Bonnie feels it's particularly discouraging that "men my age want to date someone 10 to 20 years younger than them.

What is going on? Are they for real? I want someone my age. I don't want someone 10 to 20 years older than me. These women appreciate being set up by their friends but resent it when the bar is set too low. Stephanie explains, "They are anxious to match me up with someone they know, their only criteria being that he is also single -- no regard for my likes or dislikes. When I don't act interested in the guy they describe as an alcoholic, someone who has weird social skills, the devoutly religious man of a different religion than mine, the guy who is nice but a little slow, or the one who poisons squirrels in his back yard, they think I am being picky.

My well-meaning elderly neighbor suggested that I should act dumb on the first few dates to attract a man, as I apparently scare them off with my immense intellect! Nicole agrees, "Just because I am not seeing someone does not mean I am desperate and will date just anyone.

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If I was not attracted to a type of guy before, what makes you think that will suddenly change just because I'm over 40? And yes, like Stephanie, single women in midlife get accused of being too picky or demanding. I value honest, friendly, and nonjudgmental people in my life. I am a professional and would like to be with a professional partner, but if I don't feel the right vibe, all of what he is or has does not matter. My future is no worse than yours -- there are no guarantees in life The women I interviewed have pretty realistic perspectives on the future. Bonnie admits, "After being single for 8 years, I wonder if I will be single for the rest of my life.

I don't think so as I think I'm just entering my prime years, but I sometimes wonder. Yes, sometimes I think about what will happen if I age and lose my capacities but it is what it is and, if you prepare things properly and have someone who can be your advocate and executor, you don't have to worry. But there is nothing that you can do in your younger years that will absolutely guarantee that you will have a man when you're in your 50s, or that he will be around for the long run.

I always wish new couples a long and wonderful life together, but please don't be cocky because nothing is guaranteed. Please believe me when I say it: And you think, great, thanks for that. One of my oldest friends got married at 21 and is still happily married. You go with the heart. Gay culture is so youth-oriented. I can deal with that. Then, all of a sudden, the goalposts move. Now gay people are having it all. The man I was going to marry was killed on a bombing mission during the war. I met Jimmy dancing. I was 19 and he was But then he was posted.

Then one day I got a letter from his mother telling me that he was missing — his plane had been shot down. All of them were killed. He is buried in France. You have to meet someone else. I always knew I would join the army myself — I served for 22 years. After that, I travelled, and that took the place of marriage. I traveled all over the place and helped people with my time.

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I gave my money to people in need. I was a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on when my friends needed me. I was a good person. But at the end of the day, I got to go home to my own bed, my own space, my own food, my own money. And I could do whatever I wanted to do with the remainder of my time. I had all the time in the world to watch The Gilmore Girls. They just made me a decent human. While marriage is becoming less and less common in opting to live together rather than just go ahead and get married, still most people are getting married!

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Even if you are single, you are never alone though as long as you have good friends by your side! Thanks for writing this amazing post! I have yet to find a person to be an equal to me or better. Almost every relationship I have always ends and sometimes not on good terms.

I bury my head in work and education because that is what I do best. I have not accepted the fact that I might be single for the rest of my life but I keep trying.

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Maybe I should just enough the single life for the moment. This post gives me great joy for what the future holds. Sheri, I so glad this post resonated with you! So glad to have you reading!

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I find this validating information… only for genetic females. I dont believe there is a single man OR woman out there in the big wide world that will accept me for who I am, looking passed my physical flaws just to feel my heart and mind. I have met transgender people who are in happy relationships. You deserve just as much love and friendship as the next person.

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Also, there is so much to say for surrounding yourself with community outside of romantic relationships. But a single female, being trans female or cis female, can flourish in community. And I mean real community, not social media or online though these avenues are often helpful, as well. Often, this is a point of turmoil for him. BUT he is extremely intentional about making deep, close friendships and being open and honest about his life. He is a very fulfilled person even though he believes he will never get married. And if anyone puts you down, know that they are the ones with the problem.

Feel free to send me an email if you want to chat more. Same here, Im gay living in Malaysia and we dont have marriage equality and even adoption for single parents is out of the question! Once I finish culinary school Ill be 30, if it takes me perhaps 5 years to get enough experience and money to open a UK branch Ill be 35 by the time I get there, to find a husbd and wait for the 2 year waiting period to adopt Ill probably have my first child by