This was my mother after my dad passed. She had another partner for 22 years, but never lived with him or married because she wanted the freedom to do as she pleased AND have love and companionship, but more on her own terms.

I'll be turning 60 this year and I have to say, the past decade has been the best so far, although I very much look forward to the ones to comes as well. Thanks for noting that health, and the privileges of being white in this culture contribute to this feeling.