Dear Lonely Heart, I want to start by telling you your worth isn’t measured by how many years you’ve been partnered and love doesn’t have an expiry date — plenty of people find meaningful relationships late in life.
It sounds like you’re placing a lot of weight on a partner to “make you whole.” That’s a tender longing, but be careful; when we seek someone else to fix our loneliness, we risk building relationships on shaky ground.
The truth is, you’re already whole. So, what to do? Start by nurturing a life that feels rich on its own: explore new hobbies, deepen friendships or volunteer. Put yourself in spaces where people share your values.
Online dating can feel awkward, but it’s also a tool to meet people outside your usual circles. Most importantly, cultivate a relationship with yourself that feels good — because the love you give yourself sets the tone for the love you attract.
Your story isn’t over; in fact, the next chapter might just surprise you.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ASK SOMETHING?
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24 hours Lifeline 13 11 14
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PLEASE NOTE: Any relationship, love, health, mental health, fitness or dietary advice contained on the FUSE Magazine website or in print is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Consult your doctor, counsellor, psychologist, physician, fitness, health professional before taking any life advice, changing your diet, doing any exercise program, or taking any supplements or remedies of any kind. Photographs used to illustrate editorial do not depict the real lives, behaviour or sexuality of the models. Opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the FUSE publisher, editor or staff.
"Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” — Brené Brown
Brené Brown is An American academic, podcaster and researcher. She is known for her work on courage, vulnerability and empathy, and for her widely viewed 2010 TEDx talk.
