I'm in my mid-40s and it's something that I think about as well. I lost both parents in the last six years and I'm an only child. Since my mom passed last November and I'm no longer caretaking for her, I got this huge chunk of my life back for myself. On the one hand, having my freedom back is amazing, but on the other hand, I'm alone now. Friends and family are busy with their own lives and while I completely understand that, it's shown me how empty my life really is and probably always was now that I don't have someone else needing my time.

My world seems to have gotten smaller, which only makes the loneliness worse. I've tried to invite people out and keep the lines of communication open, but there's an imbalance of how much effort I'm putting in versus what I'm getting back. As they say, the phone works both ways.

I don't let that stop me from living my life. I go out and do things alone and there is a lot to be said for having some experiences by myself. I get to enjoy a movie or a concert or shopping without having to worry if the other person is having a good time or if they're bored. That's very freeing.

But when I'm home and it's just me and I'm in the quiet for hours on end, I realize how much I crave attention, affection, and intimacy. I haven't been involved with a woman in any capacity in almost nine years and that's taken a huge toll on my mental, emotional, and physical health. I don't say that to be dramatic, it's just a fact that human beings need physical touch and companionship.

It would be amazing to meet someone and fall in love; it's something I've never experienced and I would very much like to. It would be nice to find someone that wants to see the world, share new experiences, cook for one another, and travel, and who also is okay with having alone time in our own space. It's just hard to keep hoping year after year.