I’m 45 and still single. Sometimes, I ask myself—have I missed my chance? Is it really this hard to find true love nowadays, or am I chasing something that doesn’t exist?

It’s not that I haven’t had opportunities. I’ve been in relationships, some of them meaningful, others fleeting. But none of them were it. None felt like the love that makes you feel seen, valued, and alive. I’ve walked away from people who didn’t treat me the way I deserved, who weren’t willing to grow with me. And now, I’m here—stronger, wiser, but still alone.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not desperate. I love my life, and I’ve learned to embrace the freedom and independence that come with being single. But there are moments—quiet nights, weddings, holidays—when the absence of a partner feels heavy. When I wonder if I’m too late or if the modern dating world, with its apps and endless swipes, has turned love into something fleeting and superficial.

I still believe in love. I believe in the kind that ignites your soul and makes you want to be better, not just for yourself but for someone else. But is it realistic to keep hoping for that? Or do I need to redefine what love means for me now, at this stage of my life?

I want to believe it’s not too late. That true love is out there, waiting for me just as much as I’m waiting for it. But some days, it’s hard not to wonder if the world has changed too much—or if I have.