Thanks Anonymous! Your response speaks volumes. I've never looked at that way. It's true that after my mother married my stepfather when I was 8, my childhood became very unhappy indeed for me. I've felt for a long time that something must be wrong w/me. I know this is going to sound really really silly to you, but I believe in my mind that if I don't ever marry or have a romantic relationship that maybe I'll have one in the next lifetime. If that makes sense to you. Also, a particular religion that I'm thinking of, denounces romance as a form of "attachment" that keeps people from realizing their true spiritual self. I want to be spiritual but still have a wonderful relationship w/a desirable man.