Pay someone to be your company. A lot of people are happy to do that. I know some male ecorsts are willing do it for free. Why? because they need the attention. They might want you gave something back. I have being looking someone for free for about 20 years. Most people will not call you back. They will not work hard for you unless you pay them. If you pay them, they will not only work hard for you. They will gave what you need.

I don’t think sex will cheer me up. One thing I know for sure, I don’t want any guy near me right now, even a one night stand, I turned down 2 guys over the past one year. Besides, with covid going, I really won’t risk myself and my kid like that. Thanks for your suggestion. I need other solutions to cheer myself up.

I am struggling with a lot of the same questions. I get told all the time to find myself. Remember what makes me happy and dive in. The thing is if I knew that I would already be doing it. I have thrown myself into strengthening my relationship with my kids, I also use music and reading as escapes when things get bad. And when I feel I need to I give in and cry. Thankfully the times I need to do this are slowly decreasing. Not sure what will work for you but that is how I cope.

You’ve got a lot of healing to do for yourself and your child before you’re ready for a new relationship. It’s great you realise that.
What can you do to heal? Therapy, spiritual growth, reaching out to someone who understands? I hope you find what works for you.

Silva, try to make plans for the future hopefully in a non-Covid era. Think about where you'd like to travel if you can afford it. Wouldn't a week in Italy be nice, (rates off-season can be reasonable). I just saw Queen's Gambit a new show about a girl/then woman who is a great chess-player and what's impressive and unusual is that its about a woman accomplishing something professionally, and Not trying to get a boyfriend/husband or be beautiful- her goal is accomplishing something in this area for herself.

So consider where you'd like to be professionally in 5 or 10 years, whether you can improve your skills. Is it possible to take an online or other course. So I think there's a lot to do which does not have to do with men or relationships, you can and should focus on yourself for the next year professionally and recreationally and then see what happens. Best of luck.

To Lost n Broken, good luck. Silva is not looking for a man now, that's fine, but if you are looking for another relationship, recognize that and work to accomplish that. I'm happily married and was not a ladies man but I have a family member who attracts a large number of women and can tell you what I saw work.

1. Be a good listener. People are different, woman are different, have varying interests, try to know someone and what is important to them .
2. Try to be upbeat, smile. When someone comes into a group, smile and say Jimmy, great to see you, etc.
3. Try to be confident partly means not talking a lot or trying to impress someone. He went out with a billboard model and then some other people and I think tries to treat everyone well, but didn't get overly excited either.
4. Try not to get rattled by seemingly small slights, etc. Just smile and go on with your life, sometimes things are not intentional someone is in a bad mood.
5. Work on getting a wider circle of friends.
6. Plan a number of activities in a group or together, pre-Covid, he went on an interesting trip with his girlfriend. Be a fun person and women like planned activities.
6. Wear nice clothes. How you look is important and even at a young age, he wore tailored suits. Understand fashion trends.
7. Don't push for a physical relationship quickly let it come to you. (Candidly I had to have a medical exam/procedure where something is put inside of me, and if I were a woman, I'd want to know someone pretty damn well before things are put in me, just my view).

Not saying its easy, and you'll have to decide if a relationship is important to you, but if it is, I think these things work.

Some things that might help, are =

Exercise. It releases "feel good" chemicals naturally in your brain, and help with depression and anxiety and stress. And it builds up self confidence. Can start by going for walks. If you can walk outside around the block, even better. The sunshine is good for your mood, and you might see other people out walking and you could smile and just say "Hello." Don't have to say anything more to anyone at this point.

Eat healthy foods, and three meals a day. Drink 8 glasses of water a day.

Sleep, Get plenty of sleep.

These few things can help a person to feel better almost immediately. and they are drug free.

Exercise: Ride a bike, work out, take up a sport, do yoga, to stay centered, physically, mentally and emotionally. When you feel healthy, strong and are having fun in your own body, you won't CARE if you're in a romantic relationship with someone else.

Along those travels, form PLATONIC friendships. Friendship, having someone just to relax with, talk to, listen to, maybe have a few laughs with, is a nice emotional cushion when romantic love is shit. Plus, being concerned about a friend takes your mind off yourself.