M, I'm sorry you're having those sad moments realizing the things you have to do alone. I can relate to your feelings. It makes me so sad and angry all at once. And, like you, I suddenly come to the realization at the most random times.... In line at Target, as you said, and I lose it. I'm a partner gal. I loved being a team. I didn't depend on him, but I enjoyed it. I looked forward to errands together. As nerdy as that sounds, I felt good with my best friend. I don't need to be with anyone, and I know this. I WANT my h. I will choose to be in a relationship, but not because I can't be happy otherwise.

When I've received the same type of uninvited attention as you did, I wondered if that was my "market" (as I have affectionately termed it) since they tend to be about 20 years older than me, too... Or perhaps they just don't have the inhibitions the younger ones have and come on stronger....idk. It is a creepy feeling, though.

Aloneness.....Such a tough adjustment, isn't it? And so unnecessary. Although this would have happened to them regardless of us, as I understand it, it still feels so immature and silly that we can't just work things out as adults.....because they're not adults anymore.... Ugh.

When we see what logically, seems to be a simple solution (come to terms with your past, take responsibility for your mistakes and learn, get some coping skills, be forgiven and move forward) .... It really is not that simple at all. They are doing the best they can. I truly believe they get so tangled they have no idea what to do. So they continue to be confused and spin, do strange things.... And we can't tell them or fix them.

REGARDING THE CREEPY DUDES.....
Ignore the ones that are giving you the uninvited attention right now. That isn't about you. It's about them. They are either just socially awkward and trying to be friendly, or just want to see if a pretty younger woman will give them the time of day. Either way, they behave that way because of their own life-experience-movie playing in their heads. It's their own insecurities and needs trying to be met. Try not to overthink it. Easy to do when we are rejected, tho. We naturally wonder who wants us now, and the ones who come across the loudest are not the only men out there worthy of us. Definitely take the compliment, because I'm sure you're a hot mama!

Again, M, I'm sorry for your tough day, confusing calls and texts....

Not sure convent life is going to be the answer for you wink Tempting, tho, ain't it?