Existential malaise

My situation is different though as I do have a partner so it's not so much being an introvert (though I am) but more so wanting to be with my wife.

Please take comfort from the fact that several 'strangers' on a forum are empathetic and are trying to provide advice. Sometimes it is very difficult to provide support without knowing all the facts and without sounding condescending or patronising.

I think a large number of long-standing Cure fans are insular by nature. Is that why we found The Cure or did The Cure find us? I've got 352 contacts on my phone. There is not one name on there who I could phone up and say "I'm feeling low today, do you fancy meeting up for a drink?"

I've always believed that I was on the outside looking in. When I've been 'allowed' inside I've never really felt as though I've fitted in. About 10 years ago I accepted that I was always going to be on the outside. The outside is far bigger and you don't have to conform, you can be yourself! Once you stop trying to be someone that you're not (and don't want to be either), people will be more naturally attracted to you

You and I are the same age. I've been married, divorced, new long-term partner, separated and on both occasions I have lost the house, 'friends,' family etc. The thought of walking into a bar or club by yourself & trying to meet someone is terrifying, but that doesn't mean don't do it. Choose the bar carefully, one where the age range is varied & ideally where there is an event on - a local band, quiz night etc - it's far easier to naturally interact with people.

There have been 3 occasions when people have approached me on the street:-

1) When I had my 5 minutes of fame due to a crazy ulta-marathon I did
2) When I walked with my baby son in his pram/stroller
3) When I walked my border collie pup

Is number 3 a possibility with you? It's a great way to meet people & is an instant ice-breaker. If not a dog, can you get any pet if only for the unconditional love?

I know that everyone on here hopes that if not happiness, you at least find contentness. Please take care

I have tried this advice, since basically everyone gives it. Our world is currently very in favor of people sticking to their age category.

It mainly frustrates me that I’m just not attracted to most women my age. I am attracted to some, but very few. My ex is 2 years younger than you.

I have tried this advice, since basically everyone gives it. Our world is currently very in favor of people sticking to their age category. Unfortunately I look like I’m about 40 and most people my own age look to me like they are about 60. I may be vain but I just can’t get on board with people who haven’t taken care of themselves. It took me 37 years to find a partner that I really wanted. It’s not so much that I’m picky, it just seems that the more attractive a person is to me the less interested they seem to be as well, and I’m not all about the game of competition. I’m a melancholy introvert.

I’m not unattractive, but there are things about my interests that make it harder for me to find someone. For example, I’m an educated leftist who believes in science but I’m also a Christian, so that rules out the atheists. Christians don’t like me because I am also a ceremonial magician who uses Tarot cards and believes in astrology. And I like artists such as Morrissey, Woody Allen and Roman Polanski. I’m also a Catholic bishop, which confuses people since I’m from a tradition that doesn’t require celibacy and I don’t believe Jesus died for my sins.

As you can probably gather, people jump to all sorts of conclusions about me. You may have just done it yourself.