Starting Over Again at Nearly 30
My 11 year relationship is likely going to be over at the end of this crisis. The decision is not really in my hands (I want to work on it), but I think he wants to end the relationship (he won't really tell me one way or the other). Besides being heartbroken and terrified about losing the person I love and thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with, I am utterly terrified about starting over again at nearly 30. We have been together since we were 18, and I am now 29.
From a financial perspective, I am worried, but I think I would make it work. It would be tight and tough decisions would have to be made, but I think I could make it work and I know my family would help if I really needed them to.
The bigger concern for me is having to start all over again from a relationship perspective. I have not been on a date since I was 18, and it seems very different than it did back then. The few friends I have who are single (who are all younger than me), say it sucks. As a woman, I feel pressure starting over at 30 because the clock is ticking if I ever decide I want children. I thought I would be married by now and have some time to decide on children. Instead, I am now facing not getting married until probably 35 at the earliest.
Does anyone (particularly women) have experience being single in their 30s? How are you managing it? Are you feeling anxiety or pressure from society or family or a ticking clock? How are you finding dating? Any honest accounts would be so appreciated, as I am trying to mentally steel myself for all of this.
Am I just being stupid and letting my anxiety-riddled brain get the better of me?