Someone asked me this recently and it took me a while to understand the question! Single? Oh! Yes, you must mean, how does it feel to be separated and leading a “single” life. Well, my answer was even more surprising to me since I hadn’t even given that a thought. “The same, I guess.” Meaning; I haven’t changed. My life has. I no longer live with my ex-husband, but I lead a regular life. I go to work, come back home and apart from having had to adjust to many new things as I’ve moved, I feel no different.

Maybe this question had more to do with the person. She is way younger than I, and I can see how she might see things differently; Freedom to explore new romances, go out at night more, and the lot that comes with youth. I have been there and done that, so my life is more focused on work, friends and feeling comfortable at home. In fact, I love getting back home, jumping into my PJ’s ASAP and getting down to work or watching a movie. I’m taking life easier now and feel less stressed and guilty since I need to spend so long online, preparing and correcting classes, but my life is very simple and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Maybe we have too many labels. Married, single, divorced and each one has some stigma attached to it or some definition of who you are. In my case, I don’t feel “single.” I am just a person who is now not in a relationship and just trying to make the best of it. Perhaps I am exploring more ideas of new things to do and try, but that’s about it.

It was a shock at first to have to change my life so fast, but after the initial pain and fear, I have settled happily into a very quiet existence which I am enjoying. I am still myself, so being single means nothing to me.