Just shot down some guy in the video store. I'm so not looking for a date and he struck

[applegrove]

up a conversation about blue rays and how they really were not that popular. I could have added that video on demand was probably one reason why but instead I said "I don't pay attention to blue ray" and he moved off. Then I realized that eating alone in the restaurant earlier in the day I offered my used newspapers to another patron and he said "no". And I wonder? Did he think I was coming on to him? LOL! I just hate the whole dating thing and am glad I never will have to participate in the rituals. I'm just so happy with the friends I have in the world and my time alone. And I realize what a gift it is to love to be alone. Especially for someone like me who hasn't really had control of her own life at many points. Now I do. And I choose to play to my strengths like any other middle aged adult.... It is all good when I have lots of time to myself to think. Makes me very happy.

[kayakjohnny]

1. Wow. I could have written this post myself. About myself.

You just reflected many current facets of my own existence.

Thanks for this very insightful post.

Very good job.

Cheers.

[applegrove]

2. Right back at ya!

[betharina]

3. happiness is all that matters.

i am married with 2 young children. today i was making dinner, macaroni and cheese. i started thinking about the meals i used to make for myself and then how i used to sleep in, read in peace, use the bathroom in private etc... i missed it, if not just for a moment, i missed it. and then i heard my kids laugh and that made me happy:)

[applegrove]

4. Oh yeah. I love kids. Don't get me wrong. And I'll miss that. But I know myself and instead of

spending time doing things you are not good at, why not spend your time doing things you are good at. I'm just lucky that I stayed true to myself. I read the book "the grass is singing" about a woman who is happy alone but gets bullied into getting married - and ends up very unhappy as a result. And I think - that would be me if I had let it happen. And yeah. I get to read all the great books out there and feel wise...which is so much nicer than the feeling I had as a teen which was cluelessness (so much so I could not speak for myself). You are so lucky too to have your kids and your family. Enjoy. Children are a laugh a minute.

[BlueJazz]

5. Maybe it depends on who else is there. It's nice sometimes to be affectionate without..

... smothering the other person.
...but I'm glad you're happy.

[applegrove]

6. TKS.