u/LonelyPapaya2260

I hope this is welcomed and not deleted. I’m new to Reddit and a lot seems to be screened out and deemed not appropriate by moderators.

I am 40F and I know this is a men’s space which I highly advocate and I don’t mean to intrude. I just wanted to spur on each and every one of you who are starting over and reading the support and solidarity for one another is so incredibly heart warming.

I am a huge advocate for Men’s Mental Health, especially in a society where masculinity does appear to sometimes be criticised as being toxic. I condemn that.

It’s hard starting over and I’ve been in the same situation with a lone mattress on the floor of a room and everything which goes with it. I was embarrassed to allow people to visit.

Although it can take a huge hit to your ego, there is light at the end of the tunnel. And you all have the perfect makings of a den/cave.

Just keep going and doing what you’re doing. 🙌

I’ve been single for the last four years, focussing on raising my daughter. I’ve always said I’m “happily single” but the more time goes by, I am wishing I had someone for my daughter and I.

Maybe I am more aware of it because I am single but it really does feel like everyone is happily married. Out of my daughter’s class of thirty odd kids, I’m the only single parent. It makes me feel so inadequate that I failed her in terms of having that perceived classic stable foundation within the home.

It’s hard to meet people even if I wanted to put myself out there because I have to pay for childcare. I’m parting with money before I even leave the house.

On the other hand, I have people telling me that not all is what it seems and a lot of people stay within their marriages, “because of the mortgage” or, “the kids” or that they simply couldn’t afford it on one wage.

And if I may have a moment to pity myself, at 41, men my age aren’t looking at 41 year old women….

Thoughts?