Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Eleanor Gordon-Smith

I am content being single. How do I make people understand that I’m happy as I am?

Eleanor GordonSmith
Painting: Self-portrait by Judith Leyster (circa 1630)
‘Don’t let other people’s descriptions of your life persuade you that you’re not happy,’ writes Eleanor Gordon-Smith. Painting: Self-portrait by Judith Leyster (circa 1630). Illustration: IanDagnall Computing/Alamy

I’m 54 years old and, although I was married for 22 years, I’ve been single for the past 14. I did remarry briefly a few years ago, but that chapter was short-lived.

At this stage of my life, I feel genuinely content. I’m on my own, but by no means lonely. I have a fulfilling balance between work and personal life, and I’m deeply grateful for my three daughters and my grandchildren, who bring me joy and purpose.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
British Embassy quashes Winnie-the-Pooh return rumors, keeping the famed bear in New York
It turns out Winnie-the-Pooh and his fluffy friends aren’t being bear-napped from their longtime home at the New York Public Library
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
79 Nostalgic Photos That Take ’80s Kids Straight Back To Their Childhoods
80s had everything: bright neon colors, ABBA, Queen, and Madonna on the radio, huge power suits, and poofy hair that is now only associated with hair metal bands. If you love this decade, take a trip down memory lane with these pics from r/80s, where people share nostalgic items and…
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Billy Corgan defends decades-long friendship with Marilyn Manson
Billy Corgan haș defended his friendship with Marilyn Manson, insisting that just because he stood by the rocker amid sexual abuse allegations, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have “an opinion”.
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
Ancestors all around – millions of dead people linger in Americans’ memories
Halloween kicks off a series of religious and cultural festivals to honor the dead, including All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day and the Day of the Dead. But deceased loved ones don’t disappear from people’s social worlds once the ghost and skeleton decorations come down.
The Conversation
The Conversation
“Like We’re Peasants”: Jenna Ortega Enrages Her Fans After Revealing How She Feels About Interacting With Them
Jenna Ortega has angered some fans after opening up about the pressure of meeting them and explaining why she doesn't always feel comfortable stopping for photos.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
Raw vs fresh: Is this brand's 'Michelin Dog Star' food worth the hype?
Billed as the nation’s top-rated dog food, here’s why your pet might be better off eating human-grade ingredients
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play