Aaaaw, I know how you feel. Some days it just gets to ya... But then you realize you have friends whether you get to see them much or not, and life is worth living again. Cuz it's more about connections and the fact that you have an impact on others lives. All the lives you touch just by being alive and being you is what's important. And we all appreciate you and the fact that you're here. Just remember that and you can get through anything.

Much

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Maryah could kick your ass! Lol.

Hi Nicole,

I know how you feel, as I feel the same most of the time myself.... I really have to make a concious effort not to let this get me down. Now, I'm not going to contradict you and say 'it'll happen for you', or 'there's someone out there for everyone'.. because I hate when people say that to me!!!! If this helps you any, here's what I think regarding to what you've said:

a) That lady in the store is a numpty. People can get married and find love at any age. I've known people find love far older than 28.. and gone on to raise families and live a very happy life! She probably isn't getting any either lol, so take no notice

b) With all due respect to your friend who said about people over 30 having kids being wrong... that's not a fair thing to say. People are different the world over... I have friends who have had children well into their 30s, and have an amzing relationship with their kids. And have the energy to handle them as well. Yet I've seen 18 year olds who can't be bothered to do ANYTHING with their kids... different people are different is all.

c) I think that thing about having no debt/no family is daft as well. I don't have a wife/kids etc... yet I still owe on student loans, etc. Sure, you may not be in as much debt as if you DID have a family... but it's still a stupid thing to say.

d)I'm worried about these people you talk too, because what they're telling you, with all due respect is just wrong!! In life, we work so we can LIVE. So we can have an acceptable and comfortable lifestyle... so we can eat, and have a roof over our heads. I maybe looking at this wrong... but at least you've gone out and worked, and tried these different jobs. Some people don't even do that... so don't feel you've wasted your time there.

At 32, your life is far from over... Nicole, you're a friend of mine on Facebook, and you MUST have seen some of my 'statuses' which I've written when I'm feeling down, so believe me I know how you feel. People sometimes find their happiness sooner than others... like yourself, I'm still waiting to find mine. But I'll be damned if I'll let anyone tell me I'm past it, or what age I have to do this and that. I just know when it happens, I'll appreciate it all the more.

Again, you're on FB... get in touch anytime if you get fed up. Take care and speak soon

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Soulmania .... keeping 'old-school' alive and well!

So far, I agree with with the others are saying. I got remarried at 28 and do not desire to have children. Why? I do not have the time for it.

To have anyone judge your life and how you live it is hypocritical. You live the way you want; you've got friends who love you and support you no matter what.

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"The nicest thing about anything is not knowing what it is."-George Carlin, Braindroppings

Well, it's hard to read a journal like that and not be moved to reply.

I think the biggest thing that comes across from your experiences there is how unbelievably misguided and nonsensical people's values and priorities have become.

I'm 32, unmarried, with no hope of owning my own home. I have a day job that I carved out of nothing for myself with my own bare hands. I have to interact with people in that job on a daily basis, which some days I'm frankly in no mood for. I also live in a town where everybody knows everybody else from their school days, where the only people in relationships are the pretty ones, where success is measured by the type of car you drive and where the gap between the haves and the have-nots is VERY noticeable.

I frequently look at the things going on around me in my town. People are generally living out one long, unfunny joke. They've aspired to the things you mention in your journal - marriage, kids, financial stability, a job that will win them the approval of complete strangers -and guess what? Whatever measure of these things they attain, it never makes them happy.

In my case, my job is menial, but it provides me with a decent lifestyle. It's enabled me to do things I wanted to do. I even sort of LIKE it! Yet other folks don't get that. Because it's 'dirty work'and it isn't glamorous or high powered, I've been excluded from social groups, and even turned down by women! It's a good thing that I can see the funny side of it!

Bottom line - anybody who is telling you that these things are the standard for you to aim for needs to mind their own business. Maybe it works for them. But what's to say it'll work for you? What entitles them to say those things?

It may very well be the case that you're a lot better equipped to be happy with life than any of those folks who said those things. Your journal shows you to be a very thoughtful, sensitive individual. So take heart. Life works out in unusual , unpredictable ways.

We never know what's around the corner!