@thisismarilynb - you have given me hope that one can live on one's own terms, independent, caring, speaking one's own mind, and knowing what does and does not work for you, at any age.

I can only hope that I will retain my alertness, conscientiousness, awareness of and respect for others, and ability to manage and enjoy my own home independently as I grow in years. My privacy and personal space are highly important to me, even though I do find myself seeking, easily engaging with and energized by being around others for periods of time. Increasingly, I need time to regroup after that (nothing obvious to others, but seems to be even more important as I go along in life).

Maybe not surprisingly, (though at times it has been surprising and frustrating to me!), I have never been married, nor found a person who wanted that with me, other than 1 or 2 who were just going through the motions. So, no children, pretty much by intention, and happy that way. I guess I continue to be struggling in my internal life - all my life - because of what I have only recently been able to pin down as basic early-life needs not being met (though again you would NEVER know it to meet me, and I come from what others would deem a most successful, respectable and 'close' family).

Well, it's a trying day, even though it's sunny outside (and NO, I do not want to take a walk outside!