Is it a curse? Or a gift? I have secret romantic notions about women over and over, sometimes two or three times in a week. And they're not just sexual notions. Although some are. Just yesterday, I noticed a slim, very flexible yoga lady who's been married 30 years or so. She had "that look" in her eyes that hints to me (to my overactive imagination) that she'd probably like a little diversion in the afternoon. Of course, I didn't say anything suggestive. After all, she's married. I just smiled.

And just how is being forever romantic, anything but hope FULL?? Where is the lost cause, the reality that there is no hope in the idea of seeking out romance?
We should get rid of this ridiculous notion that when we say "worthless" or "hopeless" that we are meaning there is nothing of any value to be found in it. If that is really what we mean, then we should say "without worth" or "without hope" instead, if that really is the case. But there IS always some amount of worth and hope, it just depends upon which angle you wish to view it from.
There is no downside at all to being optimistic, because that is ALL that we really have in our life, we are looking forward to experiencing good things in our life, not bad ones, right? We wouldn't even bother to raise our hand up, if we didn't expect some kind or amount of good to come from the action, would we? Why do something that will bring us only grief?

    Randy

I’m finding no effort ‘keeping it alive.’ The effort would begin if I attempted to shove away any of the good stuff that’s naturally backfilled my life ..to make room for romance. And, the longer I go without it, it easier it becomes to ignore it

I don't think I have a romantic bone in my body. Not even one.