As many of us reach our 50s, we find ourselves without a partner.  For some, being alone creates a feeling of freedom from having to cater to someone else’s desires.  If you are alone and like it, don’t be pressured into finding a mate or dating.  Would you rather cuddle up with a dog or cat, than another human?  Humm…Don’t write a personal ad, just visit an animal shelter.  When your children visit you, how easy is it to explain that shaggy being sitting on your couch?  After all, if you need to travel and taking your pet is inconvenient, you can always board him or her, but this treatment won’t work for your new significant other!

Individuals who have been tied down as a caregiver for a number of months or years are afraid of finding another person who might place them in the caregiver role again.  Also, another Baby Boomer single comes with his baggage – children, ex-spouses, relationship anxieties, debts, and health concerns.

Is there such a thing as friends or just casual, as in ‘Can we just go to a movie?’ behavior?  Are you ready for on-line dating or any dating?   But one is a lonely number…

For those of you who have experienced this ‘to date or not to date’ dilemma, please comment!