At what point are you considered alone forever?

@thisismarilynb I think you underestimate yourself! You have a lifetime of experiences you can draw on to write a book - memoir or novel(s) - starting with your traumatic childhood (painful, yes, but could be cathartic), your escape from it, your long and wonderful marriage including your travels across the globe with your husband, etc.

Did you ever read Catherine Cookson’s books? All her novels reflect her life’s experiences.

Very common thoughts on this subject. If you have a hobby or hobbies join a group to meet people with similar interests. Single versus married? I couldn't really answer that question until in a relationship. I've been divorced since 1982 and haven't found a good candidate yet! I enjoy my freedom. I think many women are looking for friendship and security with marriage, depending on their stage in life. I know there are women out there who prefer the friends with benefits type of relationship. You had one gal, you'll find another! Chin up!

A short term nurse’s aide can be very helpful in situations like you describe.

I think anything is possible for you! You sound like someone who enjoys being yourself and also sharing with others. Relationships are alot of work. Sometimes good and sometimes not. Thanks for sharing!

@texasguy1962 I do not think you are wrong at all. I spend time with a group of people who many are single in your age range...well, I am 56 but many of these people are older. One woman in the group once told me that she has been happy since her divorce many years ago because she has the freedom to do what she wants whenever she wants to do it.

I think I understand where you are coming from. When I was dealing with some issues I used to say I want to be left alone, but I do not want to feel lonely. I think it speaks to being yourself, but you hope for the company of others. I think there women out there that have those same feelings. When speaking to these friends, those are the people who are the most stable...they stand on their own. They are comfortable with who they are and are patient when it comes to relationships.

Hello everyone, I appreciate everyone's comments, being along is not the best way to live out our last days, I have come to terms with it, I don't have a pet, But I do have a few plants I work to keep alive in my home.
I have goals, I am praying for. I pray for one true friend. Who is interested in reading the Bible with me, praying together, talking to others
about the Lords love for us all, and his beautiful plans for us once we leave our bodies. And if this goal does not happen. I am in prayer asking the Lord what is it he wants me to do. Before I leave my body.
These goals will make me so very happy, and make life worth living for me. God has been with me the whole time.life has been very hard, lonely,frustrating. But God is the one that has brought me through it all,
I am grateful, I love the Lord so much for giving me the opportunity to have life. I PRAY I DONT
WASTE IT. I LOVE YOU ALL.

Yes, I believe you hit the nail on the head.
No one truly want to belong, but if surrendered by people who don't get you or add value to your life, not materially but enriching, throught provoking meaningful conversation. Along with light hearted laughter from time to time. I fell there is a void, and one is only going through the motion.In my younger years I my have over looked or couldn't see what was best for me the right decision could or would have changed my destiny. I will continue to move forward with joy in my heart. God is Good. Hindsight is 20/20

Yes – true companionship, and closeness. Genuine conversations about life and feelings and heartfelt observations about the world. That is what is most important yet what is often most lacking. We live such a superficial lives that it seems any conversation below the surface that is truly meaningful is almost verboten or certainly misunderstood. Strong friendship, warmth, and closeness must precede a formal bond. At least I think that’s what I have learned the hard way over the years.

These are all good points. I have discovered as I have gotten older that there is such a huge difference between loneliness and solitude. A bad marriage can spurn profound loneliness, but make one yearn for solitude. As the years have gone by, I do appreciate my ability to find quiet time for my mind to shed the stressors of the marriage gone bad.
I sometimes imagine that this is the “peace” that divorce may yield on the other side, but getting there is a huge step.
My children are grown and on their own and are fully aware of the long-standing issues between my wife and I.
I know they would understand and be happy that we are both pursuing a happier existence apart from each other. It’s not their job to be emotional referees. Nonetheless, it is somewhat traumatic to blow up the family model and architect a whole new dynamic moving forward.

Being alone is not the way I wanted my life but had to go through a divorce eight years ago that wasn’t my choice. My Christian life has helped me so much through prayer and Bible study. I do live in a retirement community and having friends here has helped. Joining groups that share my interests can also help as I am a bridge player and belong to three bridge clubs. I have made many good friends in those clubs. The weekends are especially lonely for me because when I was married my spouse and I had dinner out and went to church on Sundays and then out to Sunday lunch with other couples.

I am glad your faith has been a lot of support for you also.