Dating at 40 with Kids: Why Is Finding Love So Hard?! 😩💔

After a painful breakup from a 14-year relationship filled with emotional ups and downs, I finally found the courage to step back into the dating world. With two kids, no single friends to lean on, and working from home, my social life is basically non-existent. So, online dating became my only option. I've been on a few dates—some fun, some awkward—but none have sparked that real connection. The one guy I liked didn't feel the same way (of course!). What really gets me is that marriage means a lot to me. My ex never wanted it, even though he knew how much it mattered. Now, every guy I meet seems totally against the idea of ever getting married again. I don't want just a fling; I want a real relationship, someone who values commitment. But how do I say that without scaring people off? I miss the feeling of being included in a family, especially since I'm an only child and my parents are gone. Am I asking for too much by wanting marriage on the table from the start? Has anyone else been through this? I’d love to hear your stories or advice. Sometimes it feels like I’m the only one struggling with this. Let’s talk! 💬❤️ #DatingAfter40 #SingleParentLife #LookingForLove #FamilyRelationships