Over 60 and Single

I really don’t know if life would be different as a part of a couple. I only know life from a single
viewpoint. This wasn’t really my life plan. I had the same dream as most little girls. I would be
the mom of my own family. Life just hasn’t worked out that way.
In grade 10 I knew I wanted to be a teacher of young children. Thus began my life as serious
student who devoted more time to studying than to going out and being a teen with her friends.
I needed the grades to attend university. My friends were not planning on a post secondary
education; they led a more carefree lifestyle. After we graduated it was much the same with my
friends working and me away at university in classes all week doing school work. My friends
continued in their familiar environment, while I was the small-town girl in the big city. I was a
timid, reserved person who had always had a difficult time making new friends. Shy, you say”?
Oh yes! If I could change one thing from my past, I would have more of a balance between my
academic and social life. I wouldn’t have limited my social circle.
I was self conscious and shy as a child. I have two older brothers; one of whom I felt I lived in
his shadow. He has always been popular, outgoing and had a “devil may care” attitude. I had a
grandmother (my only living one) who felt the need to hold up my younger cousin and say “Why
can’t you be more like _?” I also had an aunt that would constantly tell me I was going to
get fat. I felt fat. It didn’t make for a very confident person.
Although I did have dates, here I am single. Is it a bad thing? I guess that depends on your point
of view. Sure, it would be nice to have had someone to come home to, a support during the
difficult times, children (I’ve always loved children), grandchildren, someone to possibly grow old
with and the possibility of a more secure financial future. However, those benefits of having a
partner are not always a given. My dad passed when my mom was 50. Some people divorce
before they have children. You see my point?
I have been able to make my own choices, choose a career I loved (regardless of it not paying
the best wages or being enough to raise a family). I am able to choose when and where I want
to go on vacation. I chose where, how to live and my own schedule. I have a fulfilled life with
family and friends who care about me and are willing to help me when needed. That doesn’t
mean I wouldn’t say yes to the right person. That means I won’t “settle” because I must have
somebody with me.
Life is what you make of it. Your happiness depends upon you. I think I have done a good job of
my life. The important thing is to fill your life with purpose and people important to you. I can say
“I existed, I accomplished, I had a purpose and I had some very, very good friends!” Are you
happy, proud, fulfilled because you have had a life worth living?