I have dated a bit. It was h-o-r-r-i-b-l-e. And I was the horrible one because the man I went on dates with was actually pretty great. I have never felt so trapped and exposed in my life. I actually contemplated feigning a heart attack to get out of the restaurant but figured that would not be a plausible option as he was a doctor. The bathroom had no windows (I looked) and I silently prayed *somebody* would call me and tell me my house was on fire (not all of it but enough to have to run home!).
On paper he was great - very nice, smart, funny, good looking and blah blah blah. I don't think am the dating kind. I think I am more of the lets hang out as friends and see what happens kind of girl (lady, female, woman... not sure what we all agreed to use as to not creep anybody out). I like men, am not anti men but the idea of going out with somebody just to out with them makes me want to hide under my bed.
My mom was alone for 13 years before she remarried and she loved every second of it. She did things she never thought she would be able to do. She only met my stepdad because he was her specialist after her eye surgery (IOW very unplanned and just so happened).
I don't know what the future holds, none of us do. I just can't imagine thinking about or planning on or hoping for a future with a person that is just an illusion. But really, that is what is right for me and what I feel and believe.
We all have our "lists" of what we would like to find in a future partner but IMO that is much different than planning on having a partner. Sometimes people just come along and it's a delightful surprise that enhances an otherwise happy life.
