It's in my profile, and what's not there, is for us (the person I am seeking and myself) to discover about each other. Yes, it is possible to have a happy ending, in fact if you don't start out happy (before you find your companion), I don't think there's much chance a companion can do that for you.

And yes on everything you mention, with the exception of the sweeping off the feet thing of a single party, as I believe it must be mutual.

I don't know what I'm looking for anymore. I just feel like whatever it is isn't what I have, and I'm not going to find it in the situation I'm in, and probably not all.

So I settle for the mostly friendly companionship and wonder what did I do to deserve someone who's good to me but has no sxual feelings.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for but any of your suggestions are better than the current place I'm in.

I'm quite certain another relationship is possible for me and I am very much open to one. Time will tell.

Paradise -- I've been on this journey for eight years... it's still odd, exhilarating and bewildering... the difference is I'm finally really happy with my own company and the company of incredible friends -- some of whom I've met along the way and some that I've known for many years. I think if you are content with who you are and where you are then you make better choices about who you choose to spend your time with. I 'meet' and sometimes 'date', and there are times I wish for companionship, sex and/or love, but mostly I don't ever want to give up the great life I have for something that's mediocre. I think under those terms, I have a much better chance of a happy ending...if a happy beginning presents itself!

Thanks for the thoughful replies.

I agree pac and kat that we have to find happiness within ourselves and for the most part I'm there. I guess being so far from family and close friends puts a damper on my enthusiasm but I am comfortable in my own skin. I've had some good experiences with men I've met over the past couple of years.

I was just curious how most people experience being single late in life. I know so many -- my soon to be ex included -- that cannot be alone.

your questions are very thought provoking. I am asking very similar questions myself after separated from my husband. Can I start life over at 40? I don't think I have any choice but to go on with life. Am I searching? yes and no. I would like to have a partner in life's journey but marriage is off limit at the moment. Yes, I want companies and friends. I want to be engaged in life itself and continue to live. I have always been fairly independent so I suppose this make it easier for me to go on. However, my ego is bruised and my heart still aches. I am learning to continue to walk life's journey with hopes and dreams. Every morning when I wake up, I say to myself: the sun is still shining, the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the trees are growing, and mild wind is still blowing..so, life goes on with or without a partner.

I'm not looking hard.

In fact, I'm hardly looking....

My dwindling libido in concerto with a completely incompatible population of surrounding females has cast a ghastly pall on my dating life. I've found light drinking and televised sports to be suitable alternatives.

When Ms. Right hits the scene, I'll stand up and take notice...but so far, she's proven to be highly elusive and perhaps non-existent. Until then? GO GIANTS!!! GO NINERS!!!!