Hi Anita and Teak,

Apologies for not replying in some time. It has been a very busy time, since I last wrote, my landlord started building works (for her own benefit) without our permission, so we had a long argumentative time with her. My house sale finally went through, so I spent a while moving my things, but also helping my ex move to her new flat. My father, who I care for, had a fall, and has just come out of hospital again, but things are difficult with his carers. Although I kept up with some of my mindful practices, some of them stopped, due to the stress day to day.

My move only happened in the last few weeks, so I have been mentally and physically exhausted, but now I do feel a lot more settled and happy in my new home. But like we’ve talked about, I sometimes feel lonely. One of the things that worries me a little (and something I haven’t felt before), is pressure in life of having children and ‘settling’ down. Now I’m 31, even my very supportive mother jokes about things like “don’t leave it too long”. But what people fail to realise is, I would love to meet a life partner and have a child, but you can’t force these things. I sometimes worry about how to meet people, I am a very socially confident person, but as a lot of people at my age, I have the same group of friends, most of which are in couples, so I don’t find myself in places with many single people, so I’m trying to work out how to open more of these doors. There is of course dating apps, but I still have some skepticism.

Anita – I have just begun again, the writing you’ve suggested, free flowing, and it is very cathartic. Thank you for suggesting it. I am going to keep it up. Your support and kind words, as always, are so appreciated. I hope you are doing well?

Teak – I agree, I feel I do have a lovely friendship with my ex now, and I have been trying to continue the things that I mentioned above, but like I mentioned, through the last few weeks/months, things have been a little more stressful and up and down. But I am aware that sometimes life doesn’t move in a straight line, and there will be ups and downs. I love and appreciate this platform I have here to share my thoughts and feelings, it is a constant source of warmth and compassion when I think about it. Thank you from my heart. I hope life is treating you well?

All in all, following the expected difficult ups and downs, I am feeling ok, but just worried about meeting people. But I am, as always, grateful of the things I have in my life.

My best wishes to you both, and thank you again.

D