I didn\u2019t make this decision recklessly. It wasn\u2019t a sudden move. I waited until my son was settled into university, living on his own, embarking on his own journey. And then, quietly, without drama, I packed up my things\u2026 and I left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I had a small apartment, one I inherited from my mother. We had once planned for my son to have it, but at that moment, I felt that it was finally my time. He would figure things out. And for the first time, I could live for myself: freely, authentically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Family game nights<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first few months were strange. The silence, the solitude\u2026 and yet, there was a strange lightness too. My ex-husband tried to win me back, reminiscing, making promises. But I no longer wanted to retreat into an old, narrow space. I was tired of living within those limited boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I began to rediscover the world around me. I learned how to be alone and happy. I learned to focus on myself again. And most importantly, I began to feel, once more, that I was a woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When my friends found out I had started dating again, they shook their heads in disbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeriously? At this age?\u201d they asked, bewildered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes. Because it\u2019s not about age, it\u2019s about how I feel in my own skin,\u201d I replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then, Viktor appeared. My neighbor. We started running into each other in the park. At first, it was brief chats, but soon the conversations grew longer. He was good company, a considerate listener. Slowly, his gaze became warmer, his voice softer. Eventually, he invited me to dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I decided to have him come to my place. I wanted him to see what an independent woman could bring to the table\u2014literally and figuratively. I cooked an elegant dinner, lit candles, and wore my favorite dress. I was nervous, but in a good way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He rang the doorbell at exactly 7 PM. I opened the door\u2014and was taken aback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There he was. Alone. No flowers, no chocolate, not even a small gesture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDid you bring nothing?\u201d I asked quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat, should I have? We\u2019re not kids anymore,\u201d he shrugged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExactly. That\u2019s why. Goodbye.\u201d And I closed the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I stood there for a few minutes, furious, disappointed\u2026 and yet, resolute. Because I had learned this: if someone doesn\u2019t even show basic courtesy on the first date, they never will. If they don\u2019t see me as a woman, a partner, a person of value, then I\u2019ll just be a convenient conversation partner or home cook for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Viktor, upset, started spreading rumors around the neighborhood that I was arrogant and would die alone. Maybe. But if I had to choose, I\u2019d rather be alone than in bad company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe one day I\u2019ll meet someone who truly sees me. Someone who looks beyond my face and sees my soul. Or maybe such men don\u2019t exist anymore?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t know. But one thing is certain: I prefer being alone than with someone who makes me feel even lonelier.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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