Yael, once again you’ve said it perfectly. Having a partner and children is NO guarantee against being alone and lonely. The loneliest I’ve ever been is when I was married. I think our expectations cause us to feel lonely. If we expect to have a partner and don’t have one then we feel lonely. If we have a partner who is not showing up, then we feel lonely. I’d venture to say there are more lonely married or partnered people than there are single ones. Truly. Its not a contest that anyone wants to win. I’m not a fan of the feeling myself. I’m so happy to hear that you are happy where you are. It gives me hope.