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

Anyone whose life deviates from mainstream expectations gets this, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith. Perhaps you could play with different ways to describe it

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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.