In my late twenties, after several disastrous relationships I became a confirmed bachelor. Swore off women, was never going to get involved with anyone again, no more dating, etc, etc.
A few days after my 31st birthday I got married, and we had 20 years together before she died.
I’m not sure if I want to try it again. Haven’t had much luck in that regard the last few years, can’t imagine why anyone would be interested in dating me, so I’m back where I was half my life ago.
I was in a horrible, nasty, abusive marriage for 18 years. Afterwards, I grew to be cool with the idea of being alone, forever, if need be. I dated a little but I had a very long list of deal breakers. I have only recently met someone I could easily see being with forever. Being single isn’t all bad by any means. I am just very nurturing, so I like being in a relationship. But I don’t live and breathe that neediness by any means.
Just turned 50 last Friday. 
Haven’t accepted it yet, but I would like to. I rationally know it would be best, but it’s much more difficult to persuade myself emotionally.
So far I’m right, but it’s only been four years.
Yes. No.
I dated a lot but just wasn’t sure the perfect person for me was ever going to come along. I was well into my 30s but had no regrets that any relationship had ended for the reasons it did. Maybe it just wasn’t to be. Then… boom.
Like LurkMeister, Mr. S had withdrawn himself from the dating pool after a long string of disappointments. Just didn’t want to bother anymore. He was in his early 30s.
Then a few months later, I walked into the place where he worked, the new girl on the job. We’ll have our 19th wedding anniversary this summer.
So I’ll add to the chorus of “You never know.”
Yes. No. Not even a real kiss till mid-30s, virgin for a couple years after. Went through phases of not caring or trying, then of wondering whether I was hopelessly damaged/incapable. Very happily coupled now, with no sign it won’t be for good and all.
I’m 54 and have never married, so assume at this point that I never will. I’m good with that.
I’ve been working on accepting it since I was a kid. I realized around age 12 that I probably shouldn’t ever get married.
But I like women a lot, and have had a number of serious relationships. They all ended, some of them spectacularly badly, which was usually my fault. I regret the damage I’ve caused to some people.
I’ve come to think that my 12-year old self was right - I am to relationships what a bull is to a china shop. So these days I make no effort to date, and actively try to talk myself down whenever I do meet someone interesting.
Yes. No.
We just both needed to be at the right place at the right time. While we wish we’d met fifteen years earlier, it wouldn’t have worked for either of us back then.
All you gentlemen DO realize that there is a considerable shortage of men your age on dating sites, right? Especially if you widen your search to ladies slightly oder then you, you might be surprised how the odds have changed in your favor.
I have to agree. Don’t undersell those of us for whom looks are irrelevant. Age to a degree as well.
Hmmm, “slightly oder then you”…that might mean ‘older’ or ‘odder’, but I included both in my searches when I tried the online thing last year. Even when I got through the women’s requirements for height, hair, “a good Christian man”, and all that stuff, I basically crashed in flames. I think it was when they saw my photos. I’m sure I’ll try again but if I ever got a date, it would probably freak me out so much I’d have a heart attack. HA!!
Yes, and yes, so far.
Age 43.
I guess while growing up I had some vague idea that I would get married and have kids, because that’s what people do, but as time goes on I can’t imagine how that works. I assume now that I will be single forever because to be not single one has to leave the house! and live in an area with some single people. At this point I can’t imagine anyone being faithful to me forever and I don’t want to deal with faithlessness.
The gap between myself and others broadens and deepens each year. I find myself resigned and to being alone since as much as I’m annoyed by being alone, I’m more annoyed by having to tolerate other humans.
Four years old, writing so maturely, and pining for marriage already. I’m impressed!
Yes and no.
I got lucky, becuase I am generally helpless and hopeless in dating, courting and things of that nature. I guess it was my overwhelming good looks that managed to get me married in the end. 
I’m 47 and never been seriously involved with anyone. If I could have the kind of relationship my parents had, I would love to marry. But I’d rather be happy and alone than miserable and attached.
Any nice Catholic men out there who love animals and are good at home repair, me and my 150 year old farm are here. I’m not ugly, but not pretty, either. I’m short. Not fat, but not skinny. Just average. Self-sufficient. I really value self-sufficiency. Smarter than average, but not as smart as I thought I was 25 years ago.
StG
Yep. “People.” “They’re the worst.”
Haven’t accepted it yet, though eternal singlehood is my biggest fear in life. I’ve still got plenty of time to be proven right or wrong.
I want to thank the handful of late-bloomers who said that they just had to find the right place/time/person, it’s quite encouraging.