I've found that for me the search for love took me back to learning to love myself. I felt if I could do that , someday I could recognize someone who could love me for the woman who is self assured. This all became a goal of mine after the marriage I'm in changed for the worse year after year. Stayed for many reasons , kids included. Now they are grown and own their own , still married but out of convenience. I love being alone with my life of doing what I love finally, I got over the feeling of searching for a soul mate. Lonely at times but I'm not fitting in with people on a regular basis, people have baggage as do I. I can only deal with my own. There is nothing wrong with not having a love of your life , just love life. That includes not having children or close friends. Healthy life is feeling at peace with your choices, normal is a society image.
Treat yourself as you want someone else to treat you. Alone and accepting it. I consider myself single. I wish the best for all who travel the pitted road of love. Maybe some day love will come for me like Georgia Okeife, the artist who in her late years of life fell in love with a younger man. But I'm not settling for second best. I'm not 17 anymore .

I have two rescued dogs and two rescued cats that need me as much as I need them. Love unconditional.