Thanks for your post Cameron and your replies Jasmine. I’m in my early 40’s (male) and am suffering from the same want that I don’t have. You are not alone and I pray that people like you and I can find happiness sooner rather than later. I have many friends, but nearly all are living the life I want…happily married with kids. It’s tough sometimes to try to detach from this want when I’m so often reminded of it being with the people I rely on for support and companionship. I know this sounds strange but I feel very alone despite having friends and family nearby. Like you, I’m really grateful for what I have in life but can’t understand why it’s been so difficult to find someone who loves me as much as I love them and get married. Friends say that one day it will happen, but it’s become chiche and meaningless.

My love also broke up with me 2 months ago and it’s been extremely difficult to let go, the sadness and anxiety sometimes overwhelms. There are times I can be happy in the present when with a friend, but ultimately the loneliness reappears when I’m home alone left with my thoughts. I will try to follow Jasmine’s advice too, but it’s difficult to detach from a want and live in the present when the present is all I have to pursue my dream. Maybe you feel the same? I’ve never tried meditating and not sure how effective it would be for me. I find prayer to be therapeutic to some degree, perhaps that’s similar to meditating and works for you.

Cameron, I don’t think we should give up on our idea to have a family, but we must try not to fixate on it so much where it consumes us and makes us forget the other wants in life that we have and take for granted. I hope this helps.