Archive: Around Town

I've been divorced for several years now, and have two adult children. I'm still in the work world, although I could technically retire comfortably at any time now. I feel like my life is and has been a good one, but I'm always lamenting that I still don't have a partner with which to share my life. I've been on dating sites, and each encounter has turned out miserably. My friends have tried fixing me up, and I've never hit it off with any of those dates. I'm happy being single, on the one hand, but feel a bit lonely on the other because I don't have that one person in my life to live out my remaining years. How can I find fulfillment if I'm to live my life without that one partner?
Feeling Unfulfilled

Dear Feeling Unfulfilled: I'm very sorry to hear that you feel there is something missing in your life. A few things come to mind. I'm wondering what your definition of a '"partner' is, and the other is that you seem to be happy being single. Can the answer be found in those two thoughts which you've expressed? Whom do you call when you need reassurance? A friend or family member? Who can you count on for a weekend road trip or a mid-week movie? Does one person fill that need, or do you have several 'partners'? Are you falling prey to the story of what you think societal expectations should be for relationships? The reason for the questions is you seem unsure if you even want a full-time partner in your life, so it would be good for you to reevaluate what you have, and focus in on what exactly it is that you feel you want or need. It could be that what you desire is right in front of you.

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