I've wonder about this too. From my own experience I've come out thinking its a matter of finding the balance that works. I spent most of my life single. Hooked up in my late 30's with the father of my only son. We stayed together for 14 years before my illness made it too difficult.

My preference would be to maintain a committed monogomous relationship with a man without living together full time. Maintaining separate residences so that I can have the space and independance I need. Besides that I don't really know how to have a relationship with a man without falling into the routine of chief cook and bottle washer. Don't want to be anyone's chore girl anymore. And besides that the emotional strain of someone else's presence day in and day out would overwhelm me. It's enough to cope with my son whome I adore around all the time, can't imagine being up for having a man around the house full time.