Remain Single or Mingle?

I haven’t dated anyone in 7 years. This isn’t how I planned it. I expected to be married by now and have a family of my own. I’m very lonely and long for a relationship, but I also wonder if it would be best for me to remain single. I’ve gotten used to being able to do things my way whenever I want. I’m not sure if I would even do well in a relationship anymore. Does anyone else feel this way?

Howdy and welcome to the forum.

"Life is what happens while you are making other plans." You can either break yourself fighting it, spend your whole life mourning what you don't have, or just roll with it and see what happens.

Usually that third option is the most interesting and has a LOT less stress. But it seems most people choose option two. I know a few who choose option one, and they are mostly wore out and frustrated because their careful plans get wrecked when life happens.

Remember, you never know what tomorrow will bring. But it can be a great ride.

Hmm... I realize I did not directly answer your question. :-/

Do what you want. If you want to start looking for a date, get back out and start dating. Just don't get so wrapped up in "I gotta find someone!" that you lose touch with the rest of your life. Desperation will break you every time, from what I've observed.

But it sure is easier to just take a nap and wait for supper time.

I'm a half century plus four and myself counting the faithful ones with a partner would be on the plus four side, considering that excludes my "married" years. I find it hard to trust another with my intimate self. I refer to the wise words of Paul."if you find it within your power to be only to GOD then let it be" but better for a man to committed to his own flesh" or to rather say his wife's"than to sin against himself is best.

My future plans revolve around me living happily alone….more space for me to enjoy my hobbies. I am not opposed to getting married but I also put in zero effort to have that happen either

I myself haven't dated anyone in Ever, loneliness and being scared of real life drove me to search for love online and some will crack your heart like a walnut because they realize such weakness...
I would say remain single until you...
1.have your own life together mentally and financially
2.get to know that special someone and eventually meet in real life(waiting to meet can be an emotional strain)
3.know what you desire in a relationship and don't settle for 1 sidedness both of you should be reasonably happy not trying to change each other so much

@Lynx has given sound advice. If you’re able to put that in practice you’ll live a happy live. Be grateful to God for everything that you already have.

Hi Magenta my friend😀🤗
yes been learning the hard way just yesterday finally let go of a new woman in my life after 3 years who I met online particularly because it was getting to me that we would never meet,I'm 30 now and feel we should both move on and be happy instead of kidding ourselves😀

Having graduated from the school of hard knocks myself, I must say that life only gets better... .

Being grateful for what I do have instead of focusing on and chasing after what I don't have? Yeah. Much better!

yep true, I have kept trying to like hurry up and make something work out when I'm still pretty young and can still sort out the kind of life I would like😀

Good brother Forgivenand redeemed I am now 70 years old and never married either which isn't the way I wanted it either!!! When I prayed I told the Lord that you said in your Word that it is better to marry then to burn with passion!!(1 Cor 7:9!!)

He gave me this brother in return (Matt 19:10-12) Then Holy Spirit inside me comforted me with these words" My son I know how hard this is to accept but the Lord is looking out for your welfare let his will be done and you will be much better off."

This word is not met for you good brother it was for me, perhaps a beautiful woman will come along for you, in the meantime do not neglect the relationship you are to have with the Lord!! For he must come first, and as your relationship with the Lord grows you will then be ready to be a great example to the wife you seek!! Consider this my brother, and blessing to you always through our Lord Jesus Christ!!

I fully agree with all 3 of your points.

That's my alma matter too.

thank you tourist I am glad to see as I age I'm getting wiser😀

I know what you mean, how ever I say use this time to get to know your God ,better. Know his word, know his love for you, build up your relationship with him, and walk in your calling, maybe there are things he wants you to know , and do first.

Both should not try to change each other. If you can't get used to eachother, there may be problems. Of course there is some compromise necessary in relationship, but you can't expect the other person to change too much or change too much yourself. Just find someone who accepts you the way you are, someone who is fine with your set ways.

You are indeed. You are now drawing on your lifetime experiences.

Remain single, or mingle, but there's a third way...eat pringles.

excuse me, what other person?

I dont think there is another person.

why would someone want to change someone else? I think you should respect other people if you are single.

If you are going somewhere NEW though, its should be ok to change and move the furniture around. for something to work, you cant just expect someone to slot in your life like a cog in a wheel. Thats being bossy and controlling and probably the number one reason why people stay single.