Thank you Anita. That is very well put. My brain is convinced but my heart has much farther to go…I have some good days but still some very bad days (mornings are the worst as I have to relive everything all over again). I do hope to eventually find someone in my town or nearby. But it’ll be a challenge- my town is quite small (13,000) and it’s a place that has a very transient population (due to it being a lifestyle community and far too expensive for most normal people to survive in). It draws lots of younger adults temporarily for the summer hotel season and then the winter ski season- unfortunately meaning the men my age (in their 40s) LOVE to run around after the temporarily-located 20-30 year olds because there is no long-term commitment with them and well…because they are looking for the young trophy wife just because they can. I know I sound bitter but honestly, my town is well-known for this. Even my single 40s guy friends admit to this. My ex was only a year younger then me and ready to settle down with a woman our own age and that was refreshing- it’s just too bad he was from the other side of the country!! Anyway, I’m reaching out to the city about an hour away for more dating options. Thanks again for your words. I find re-reading them help me when I’m longing for the ex.