I’m still on my own at 52, and lately, it’s starting to feel like finding true love is getting harder and harder. As the years pass, I watch as friends and family settle into their relationships, some even starting families, while I’m left wondering where I went wrong. I’ve had relationships in the past, some good, some not so good, but none of them have lasted. Each one has taught me something about myself, but I can’t help but wonder if I’ve missed my shot at that deep, lasting connection I’ve always dreamed of.

At 52, it feels like the dating scene is vastly different from when I was younger. Maybe it’s just my age, but it’s harder to meet new people, let alone find someone who shares the same values and desires for the future. There’s this underlying pressure, too—everyone around me is moving forward, pairing off, building lives with their partners, while I seem to be standing still. I often ask myself if I’m being unrealistic, expecting to find something that doesn’t come around very often. It’s easy to feel like I’m chasing a dream that doesn’t exist anymore.

I’ve tried online dating, and while I’ve met some interesting people, it often feels like I’m just swiping through faces, with little connection beyond the surface. In-person interactions have felt equally challenging. I find myself wondering if it’s just harder to make meaningful connections as we get older, or if I’ve become more particular in what I’m looking for. I don’t want to settle, but at the same time, I feel a growing sense of frustration.

Sometimes I think I’ve been too focused on finding “the one” and not enough on just being open to whatever could come my way. But it’s difficult when your heart longs for something deeper, for a connection that goes beyond casual dates or short-term flings. I want a partner—a true companion to share my life with, someone who can match my energy and values, someone who can weather life’s ups and downs alongside me.

It’s hard not to get discouraged, and sometimes I wonder if I’ve been too hopeful, too idealistic. Maybe I’ve built up this vision of what love should look like, and in reality, it’s just not that simple. But then I remind myself that it’s never too late. True love doesn’t follow a timeline, and I need to trust that it will come when the time is right. Until then, I’ll keep putting myself out there, staying open to new experiences, and believing that meaningful connections are still possible, even as I grow older.