Status: Single and Satisfied!
Relationships with other humans change and evolve over the years. Most important, I think, is to have a support network of some sort within easy reach, whether it be family or good friends - preferably both!
Typically, growing up, I was very close to my mother, even though, being one of six kids I had to compete for her attention. I particularly cherish the times we shared once my older siblings left home. Many a morning, after my dad had left for work, we would sit outside with our morning coffees and chat. She encouraged me to learn to sew and hopefully I have inherited some of her cooking prowess. I know I do take the time to relax with a cuppa!
Afternoon tea for one on the patio.
In high school I had two good girl friends but no boyfriends until my final year. I guess I was perceived as a bit of a nerd because I got good marks and had no interest or proficiency in sports. I was also two years younger than everyone else, which didn’t help.
At university I lived in a dorm the first year so there was lots of opportunity to make new female friends. Things also got more intense on the dating front with a couple of longer lasting opposite sex relationships. (One of these involved a major life move to another province after graduation.)
Of course along with relationships come break ups. The parent/child link gradually diminishes as we mature and that is natural and to be desired. Health and other issues can cause rifts in a romantic connection.
In a serious dating relationship, one partner can come to the realization that the other person has different values and outlooks on life. That happened to me twice, and in both cases I am thankful that I took the initiative to make a change even though it was difficult at first.
Wedding day smiles: You’re not losing a daughter - you’re gaining a son-in-law!
When my daughter got married I felt a particular loss because my husband had passed away fairly recently. I was counseled to feel joy for her finding someone who made her happy and that was excellent advice. Since then she and her husband have had a beautiful daughter, and I acknowledge that my life has only improved since she tied the knot.
Summer cocktails with a good friend
Cheers!
Now that I am on my own (it has been ten years after 32 years of pretty happy marriage), my connection to my three children and their families, as well as to my siblings and friends is super important. I love having two of the kids nearby and I love visiting the third as often as possible. I also value the women friends I have made since moving to the city. Life is different without a live-in partner, but good!
