I am now 36 years old. A mom separated at 27, divorced at 29, with a baby. I've been essentially single since then.
It's been a gift within itself because I have had these past almost 9 years (aside from the few where I was just trying to survive) to discover ME when there was only ME. I know who I am outside of marriage at an age when people normally don't.
I have observations being in this unique situation along the years. Most M's that began young have gotten to the point around this age of struggle. They can't identify with themselves anymore. They don't know who they are an individual and are SCARED, or overly excited (leading to separation) to figure it out. The ones who got married later in life are having a bit o an easier time because they got to know who they are outside of relationships and marriages at a time when we really come into our own.
It is a tough time for both of you. Like I said, some are scared to figure out who they really (like you) and some are just too eager (like your W).
So what is your gift right now? As Cadet says, your gift is that of time. Now is the time to grab the bull by the balls (or is it horns?) and get to know yourself as an individual a little better.
Go on that all day hike. Just freakin' do it.
And Eric is pretty good at talking people off of ledges. His voice is actually quite soothing too.
And yes, guy #1 is most my ideal attractive man. Haven't found him yet, but I can say for sure, those are the exact qualities I look for in a partner. And partially, because the h ell I have been put through has given me the opportunities to become person number #1, myself, in woman form:)
