Bill Van Alstyne Wow. Bill, thank you for taking the time to write this. It is beautiful.

I, too, have been in therapy for years, have tirelessly worked to get to know myself and become better at supporting others and taking care of myself. And to learn to, as you said: not settle for less. That is my kryptonite and always has been.

I absolutely believe that it can be a long road to finding a healthy relationship. I’ve seen that in my own life, for sure.

But with patience, I do have great hope of finding another partner someday. I am ready to try again, though I still have some fear, trepidation, anxiety… I’m working through it and hoping I can be stronger and smarter in the future. Be clear about what I want and need, as you said, and again, not settle for less.

Despite my string of painful relationships, there were many good times and moments of joy and pleasure. I love men and I believe there are good ones out there. I already know a lot good men. (Unfortunately, they are relatives, or are already married. LOL.) I think it’s entirely possible that there’s one out there for me.

There are some advantages to going through this in my 40s. I have more experience and I know myself better. And I have the hope that the men in “my pool” (40s to 50s) will be wiser, too. And gentler. And kinder.

We’ll see…

In the meantime, thank you for your comment. I truly appreciate it.