It’s interesting that after “helicopter parenting” children to helplessness, we are now trying to helicopter elders. It didn’t work with the children! Why do we feel the need to infantilize perfectly functional elders into thinking they to be “protected”.
The writing on my wall tells me I will be in a situation similar to what you’ve written about here. I’m glad to have someone showing the way and helping me figure out what preparations need to be made now.
My wife left me 10 months ago, as she embarked on her midlife crisis, and I am living alone in the city of Baltimore with my ancient cattle dog. Three months from turning 60, the path has veered off the map I had thought we were following. So, as I heal my broken heart, I also feel the light filtering in- more space to create, to make a mess, to eat what I want, to play the music I love as loud as I want…new friends and perspectives are sprouting.
Sue, I’m about your age, married to my first and only husband for 53 years. While Covid was raging, we felt blessed to have each other. I noticed a surge of loneliness in widowed or unpartnered women pouring out their desperation on Facebook. I am increasingly mindful that one of us will leave the other to mourn, and to manage the minutiae of daily life unassisted. Although I’m solitary by nature, I don’t want to be the stranded one. I look forward to reading more from you on this subject. Welcome to Substack.
Thank you, Rona. I know what you're saying. I am solitary by nature, too, and I enjoy my freedom, but at the end of the day, I wish someone else was around.
Hi Sue! Welcome- I love your subject matter, your pioneering spirit, your way of life! I think many of us are only a heart beat away from being alone in life. Looking forward to your future writings.🤗👍
Hi, Sue! While I don’t live alone~I’ve a teen who I had on my own via IVF so they are not shared with another parent and our dog and can’t em dash via my phone apparently~I have lived as a single parent and without a spouse/partner for 17 years now. Wow. That feels long when I write that out loud. But so glad you’re here and great to connect! 😊
Sue's story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience we can find within ourselves, and I'm looking forward to following your journey and contributing to this vital conversation on living alone.
I popped into the Childless Collective this morning and saw a post about your new substack and, having read it, I'm so glad I did ☺️. I really enjoyed reading your piece and the upbeat note you strike has given me a boost. Also, how fantastic that you get visits from the local wildlife! It makes me long for the countryside. Looking forward to reading more.
Really enjoyed your post Sue and found it refreshing to read something so positive about living alone. My mother is now 86 and has lived alone since she was in her mid 50s I’m now in my early 60s and in a similar situation and I thank her often for her care and upbringing that also made me someone happy to be in the garden or reading and just being contented in my own space (with a cat of course).
Lots of charity campaigns in the uk use greyed out images of older people sitting sadly at their solo dinner tables. While I’d never begrudge someone that did struggle to get the human support they need, we are all different and thank you for mentioning this other aspect that is rarely spoken about.
Hi Sue! A warm hug of welcome and 'Yay' to doing things your way. Following on from Jody's advice, may I suggest 'tagging' a few of us when you send a note - simply type the '@' and our name and click our name. This way, you won't feel your note is mailed into 'the ether' ;-) xo Victoria
Thank you for this!
It’s interesting that after “helicopter parenting” children to helplessness, we are now trying to helicopter elders. It didn’t work with the children! Why do we feel the need to infantilize perfectly functional elders into thinking they to be “protected”.
I look forward to reading more.
The writing on my wall tells me I will be in a situation similar to what you’ve written about here. I’m glad to have someone showing the way and helping me figure out what preparations need to be made now.
Same here! Time to start building that network of whom to ask for help.
My wife left me 10 months ago, as she embarked on her midlife crisis, and I am living alone in the city of Baltimore with my ancient cattle dog. Three months from turning 60, the path has veered off the map I had thought we were following. So, as I heal my broken heart, I also feel the light filtering in- more space to create, to make a mess, to eat what I want, to play the music I love as loud as I want…new friends and perspectives are sprouting.
I look forward to your writing!
Amy, it's a new start. Living alone offers so much freedom. Embrace it.
I see my future in you. Thank you for making it less scary.❤️
Loved this introductory piece, Sue, and look forward to reading more. Thank you.
Sue, I’m about your age, married to my first and only husband for 53 years. While Covid was raging, we felt blessed to have each other. I noticed a surge of loneliness in widowed or unpartnered women pouring out their desperation on Facebook. I am increasingly mindful that one of us will leave the other to mourn, and to manage the minutiae of daily life unassisted. Although I’m solitary by nature, I don’t want to be the stranded one. I look forward to reading more from you on this subject. Welcome to Substack.
Thank you, Rona. I know what you're saying. I am solitary by nature, too, and I enjoy my freedom, but at the end of the day, I wish someone else was around.
Sue, this is wonderful. You're not old. I am 75. Not old. Just on the continuum. Congrats on writing these.
Hi Sue! Welcome- I love your subject matter, your pioneering spirit, your way of life! I think many of us are only a heart beat away from being alone in life. Looking forward to your future writings.🤗👍
Welcome to Substack. I'm new here, too. I look forward to reading more of your writings.
Great to meet you! Can’t wait to read more…..
Hi, Sue! While I don’t live alone~I’ve a teen who I had on my own via IVF so they are not shared with another parent and our dog and can’t em dash via my phone apparently~I have lived as a single parent and without a spouse/partner for 17 years now. Wow. That feels long when I write that out loud. But so glad you’re here and great to connect! 😊
Sue's story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience we can find within ourselves, and I'm looking forward to following your journey and contributing to this vital conversation on living alone.
13 years. That's impressive. I've been at it for a little over a month. I look forward to your insights.
I popped into the Childless Collective this morning and saw a post about your new substack and, having read it, I'm so glad I did ☺️. I really enjoyed reading your piece and the upbeat note you strike has given me a boost. Also, how fantastic that you get visits from the local wildlife! It makes me long for the countryside. Looking forward to reading more.
Really enjoyed your post Sue and found it refreshing to read something so positive about living alone. My mother is now 86 and has lived alone since she was in her mid 50s I’m now in my early 60s and in a similar situation and I thank her often for her care and upbringing that also made me someone happy to be in the garden or reading and just being contented in my own space (with a cat of course).
Lots of charity campaigns in the uk use greyed out images of older people sitting sadly at their solo dinner tables. While I’d never begrudge someone that did struggle to get the human support they need, we are all different and thank you for mentioning this other aspect that is rarely spoken about.
Looking forward to future posts
Hi Sue! A warm hug of welcome and 'Yay' to doing things your way. Following on from Jody's advice, may I suggest 'tagging' a few of us when you send a note - simply type the '@' and our name and click our name. This way, you won't feel your note is mailed into 'the ether' ;-) xo Victoria