Yesterday was my birthday.

And every year around this time, I notice something that happens quietly for so many people when it comes to dating.

A thought slips in.

I’m getting older.
Maybe this should have happened by now.
Maybe love just isn’t in the cards for me.

Not dramatic.
Just heavy enough to make you want to stop trying.

I want to tell you something personal—because it matters.

I truly thought I couldn’t find love after turning 55.
I really believed that chapter might be closed.

But I was wrong.

I did find love.
Deep, real, mutual love.

And if it weren’t for my partner suffering an unfortunate head injury, we would still be in that loving relationship today.

So when I talk about dating again, I’m not speaking from theory or from the sidelines.

I know what it’s like to be back out there—because I’m right where you are.

And I haven’t given up on love.

Getting a year older doesn’t mean you’re running out of time.
It means you’re running out of tolerance for what doesn’t work.

That’s not loss.
That’s wisdom.

Most people don’t give up on dating because they don’t want love.
They give up because they’re exhausted—repeating the same patterns and hoping something different will happen.

But age doesn’t disqualify you from love.
Avoidance does.
Settling does.
Dating without support does.

Valentine’s Day is four days away.

You can join friends.
Or you can do what I’m planning to do.

I’m taking myself out for a lovely Valentine’s brunch.
And on my way home, I’m buying myself a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Because this Valentine’s Day isn’t about waiting to be chosen.

It’s about choosing you.

Choose you until your future partner finds their way to you.
Choose you because self-abandonment has never been the price of love.
Choose you because the right relationship meets you where you already stand.

If you’re still here… still reading… still wanting love—
that tells me everything I need to know.

You haven’t given up.
You’re just choosing yourself in the meantime.

Hugs,
Elizabeth