We understand how babies are made, now, so the whole "virgin bride" thing can go out the window. (Just forex, and to set the scene.)

Women are no longer considered property, and can work to secure their own livelihoods--so no one has to get married anymore.

The world is disastrously overpopulated--so no one has to have kids anymore.

Techonolgical and social changes have outpaced the evolution of our social paradigms, values, and psychology, and diverged from our animalistic drives (to pair and reproduce). Its time for some deep and serious reevaluation and reprogramming of the old paradigms, and I never hear anyone say that... Why is that? I mean, it's perfectly obvious to me, and I'm no genius.

Yes, of course. I get this. And I revel in being alone. I also revel in being in love.

I suppose deep in my heart, there's that nagging thought, that I just may not ever do the love thing again.

Sure, I'll survive fine, and I've had the kind of love many only dream of - more than once. Does that mean I'm greedy then, wanting another shot at it ? Perhaps.

Absolutely. Thanks for sharing!

Yep.

It's too late for me now, but I am again in a situation where I can take that advice, minus the conditional stipulation.

I love everything about this. Thank you for posting. Those who require a partner to feel complete struggle to understand how others can feel whole without one.

If you cannot learn to be happy alone with yourself.... How can you learn to be happy with someone else in your life?

Seems I have heard the "Don't settle" advice all my life. This isn't earth shattering or ground breaking... Just common sense.

I agree.

Very wise.