Alone and unhappy

Dear Betsy, I am divorced like the lady featured in one of your recent columns and it is not easy.

I was extremely unhappy for more than 20 years. I felt that if I could get divorced I would be happy. The reality is, yes, I have peace of mind that I am no longer suffering physical or verbal abuse but I too am lonely.

We never had children because he didn't want any and although I did, I agreed because I loved him.

This is my biggest regret as he is now remarried, which is fine, but he now has two children.

As a result, I feel cheated that he stole a part of my life. I am now facing old age alone.

Girl Alive (GulfWeekly, Issue 35) should be happy that she has the comfort of her children even if they are not always with her.

I am 54 so don't tell me that I can still meet someone and have a baby.

I ache from the inside out to hold a child in my arms and love it and care for it. I want all those stressed out mums to know that they are lucky, very lucky to be in that situation. Don't complain, just be thankful.

I work in a very mundane job that pays the rent but that's all.

I want to be in a loving caring relationship but the reality is it is just too difficult here. If anyone has the answer I wish they would tell me.

A. I.

Dear A.I.,

I don't have an easy answer. I still believe the best way forward is to join societies and clubs and accept any and every invitation as you never know who you may meet.

In the meantime, maybe our editor would consider part of the Ask Betsy page being turned into a tasteful 'lonely hearts 'column?

What about it, Ed?

Are you lonely or do you have a friend who is? Email me and tell me about it.

Editor's note: It appears to have already started. See below.

Dear Betsy,

I read in your column about Mr Alone and I would be interested in getting to know him and would like to be his friend. I hope you can help me get in touch. I am 47 years old and working here in Bahrain as a nanny.

Marilou.

You ARE

Beautiful

Sure, there are days when you look in the mirror

and wish you could change a thing or two;

We all have days like that.

But even on those days,

your inner light shines through.

It shows in everything you do;

It's in the way you approach your life

and everyone in it with kindness.

True beauty transcends any flaws,

and nothing - not numbers on a scale

or worry lines or even bad moods - can change it.

Because nothing can change the essence of you.

You are radiant!

Angela

Dear Angela,

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful inspirational piece with us.

Do other readers have a poem or quotation that they find motivating? Please share it with us at betsymathieson@hotmail. com