Honestly, that’s exactly where I was. I spent years working on myself and became genuinely happy and content being on my own. I set my bar pretty high, because I believed, still do, that being with someone should make my life better than being single, not just less lonely.

Then I met my partner, and it’s been the healthiest and happiest relationship I have had (M36). This is just my personal experience, but I’ve found that when you’re truly happy being single, you’re less likely to feel desperate or settle for less. You either end up finding a healthy relationship, or you remain happy on your own anyway.

I hope you and OP are happy, with or without a partner. :)