I'm 37 and I don't know why I'm still lonely and single

Dear Coleen

I was in a long-term relationship and have a child, but now I’m single. I don’t think this at all, but people are always telling me I’m beautiful.

The thing is, though, I’m 37 and I’ve never felt so lonely or rejected in all my life and I actually think I’m depressed.

No man ever wants me, except for sex, or they pay me compliments and that’s as far as it goes.

But I’m a nice, kind, decent girl and I just want to meet someone to love who will love me back right. However, now it looks as if I’ll never find anybody.

What’s wrong with me? If I’m so great, then why do men not want to get to know me?

Coleen says

It doesn’t matter what someone tells you if you don’t believe it yourself.

You can be told you’re a wonderful person and gorgeous into the bargain, but if you don’t love yourself then that comes across to other people.

Maybe you’re not letting them see that nice, kind, decent girl.

You’re also panicking that you’re going to be on your own forever, and therefore you’re looking at every guy who comes along as potentially The One. Maybe that desperation is coming across, too.

Here’s what I think. You’ve got a lovely child and you’re only 37, but you’re focusing way too much on finding a partner.

The fact is, most of us have to kiss a lot of frogs before we bump into our Prince Charming. You just haven’t met the right one yet, but that doesn’t mean you won’t.

I was in my thirties when I found myself single with two kids and, of course, my first thought was, “I’m washed up. Who’ll want me with this much baggage?”

But I carried on going out and living my life and I did end up meeting someone, had another child and got married again.

You never know what’s around the corner, so don’t stop walking down the road.