I cannot in good faith put another person through trying to have a romantic relationship with me.

There just isn’t enough of me left for it anymore … maybe i was never fully capable of that kind of relationship; and it’s just foolish to try to convince someone that i am now, when clearly i am not.

Fortunately it’s not a problem that i’ll likely ever have to face again; no one wants to go out with a lug like me anyway. It’s one of the advantages of being plain: people leave me alone.

Now if only i can leave them alone, the cycle will be broken. I don’t hang out in cafés so much anymore, so it’s easier to stay out of trouble. No play for mister grey — my short beard does a good job now of signaling my lack of interest.

Not that i was ever besieged by prospective mates; people pretty much always just let me be. (Thank the gods i was spared my father’s Irish good looks.) It’s so peaceful, being retired. I no longer have to do things i don’t want — having no responsibilities and no commitments is heaven.

If i want to sit and read, i can do so without distraction. If i want to watch an old movie, i can. If i want to take a nap, no one stops me. Or a walk. Romantic relationships were interesting, no doubt. But i’m glad to be on the other side of them; my thoughts are so much clearer!

I get the feeling that women are pestered about relationships a lot more often than men are; that just seems how society is shaped. No thank you!

Some of my friends have told me that they’re done with romantic relationships — i can so understand.

I wish you well finding your way!