Im 35 years old--and I hate to give up. I've had almost seven years to "develop myself." I was married before this seven year break for four and a half years to a controlling man who gave me "privileges" if I was "good." I'm currently getting my Master's degree, which is more than any of the idiots I dated were doing for themselves. Six years is the longest I've ever gone and it's been good for me not to date, but it can't be healthy. I feel like I ought to tell you two not to give up!