I never imagined that I’d still be single at 45. If you’d asked me ten or fifteen years ago, I probably would have told you I’d be happily married by now, maybe even with a family. I had it all mapped out in my head—a life filled with love, a partner who’d be my best friend, someone I could grow old with. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and here I am, still searching for that one true connection.

It’s not that I haven’t had relationships. I’ve had my fair share of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Some were beautiful, fleeting moments of passion, while others were long-term, where I thought, this could be it. But for one reason or another, things didn’t work out. I always held onto the hope that the right person was just around the corner, that love would find me when the time was right.

Now, though, I can’t help but wonder if it’s harder to find true love as you get older. There’s this feeling that I missed some invisible window of opportunity, that maybe the best chances for romance were in my twenties or thirties. The dating world has changed, too—apps, speed dating, online profiles. It’s like a whole new landscape, and sometimes it feels overwhelming. There’s this pressure to fit into a mold, to be “young enough” or “exciting enough” to stand out, and I’ve found myself questioning whether love is even possible in this sea of fleeting encounters.

But despite all that, I know my worth. I look at myself in the mirror and see a beautiful, confident woman who has lived, loved, and learned. I’m proud of the person I’ve become, even if the journey has been different than I expected. I’ve built a life I love—filled with passion, success, and self-respect. I’m not the insecure girl I once was, waiting for someone else to complete me. I’m whole, and I know that the right kind of love will only add to what I already have, not fill a void.

The truth is, I’ve seen too many women settle because they felt time was running out, or because they didn’t want to be alone. I’ve had friends tell me to “lower my standards” or “just find someone to be with.” But that’s never been my style. I’d rather be on my own than with the wrong person, and if true love is out there for me, I want it to be real, not something forced out of fear of being alone.

Sometimes, I do wonder if love is harder to find now, though. People seem more distracted, more guarded, and less willing to invest in deep connections. Everyone is so busy, so focused on their careers, their image, or their freedom, that it feels like commitment has become a rare thing. And in a way, I understand it—life moves fast, and no one wants to feel trapped. But that doesn’t stop me from believing that there’s still someone out there who wants the same things I do: real love, real partnership, and a deep connection that transcends the surface.

I won’t pretend that there aren’t days when I feel frustrated or lonely, days when I wonder why it’s taking so long to find that person. But I remind myself that I’m not just waiting for love—I’m living my life, pursuing my passions, and making my own happiness along the way. Love, when it comes, will be a beautiful addition to an already full life, not the thing that saves me.

So, is it hard to find true love at 45? Maybe. But I don’t believe it’s impossible. I still have hope, and I’m not giving up. I’ve learned that love doesn’t come on a schedule, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. My story is still unfolding, and when love finally finds me, I know it will be worth the wait. Until then, I’m embracing the woman I’ve become, flaws and all, and knowing that whoever chooses to love me will be one lucky person.