I see and hear you on this. Coming out in my late forties(52 now) after years of comp het marriage...didn't really date anyone until last year and that ended in a shocking and heartbreaking way...it is a lot and there are a lot of emotions. And I have found myself preparing for what it would look like to be aging and uncoupled because like you, I don't want to settle for something less just to be with someone. That is its own form of loneliness. I've been looking into travel groups. I have had discussions with friends about living together as we age. I'm looking into trying some new hobbies and things where I can have new and fulfilling connections. I do enjoy my solitude the majority of the time but there are those moments when I'm doing something and I feel like it would be nice to have someone to share that moment with, and that tends to be when those feelings creep in. I keep breathing into this beautiful acceptance that my life can be rich and full no matter what my relationship status is while also allowing the lonely moments to wash over me when they come. I want to feel and honor it all. It's truly a journey (though sometimes it feels like a roller coaster) and one with an unknown destination but also some rich adventures along the way. Here's to feeling all of it...including the numbness. ✨

I would be up for that also.

I'm 52 and came out at 47. Being newly out and dating at this stage in life is very different for sure. Most people are coupled already and have been for some time. My gay friends are all coupled. So I hear you on the loneliness part. I did take time between my marriage and dating (6ish years)to get comfortable with being alone and that really helps. But I recently went through a gut wrenching breakup and that part feels the same as when I was younger. I don't know why I thought it wouldn't feel as horrible just because I was older and ok with solitary existence...but it is just as hard. One thing that has helped me is being in school. Are there any local classes you could take? Even for hobbies or fun? Yoga classes? Something where there are groups of people that you could get to know? And therapy is always good for sorting out what you need/want and how to move toward it. :) Best wishes to you!