:-(
Yep, that's an understatement, (or an under-emoticon-atement if such a word exists ;-) ).
Personally, I see nothing positive about single. I become frustrated with people who try to tell me that there is something positive about it. Being single is horrible. Being single is better than being in a bad marriage, but that statement is analogous to saying that being a paraplegic is better than being quadriplegic. It's technically true but not exactly comforting.
I do allow myself some consolations. I've wanted a pet snake since I was a little kid. I've often been in situations where having one just wouldn't work, and I always talked myself out of getting one. I've also hesitated at times because I realize that I may be an awkward fit as a spouse anyway, and adding "must love reptiles" to the requirement list might be too much to ask. When I started to realize a year ago that marriage just isn't likely to happen for me, I started deciding to fulfill my lifelong desire in this area. Last October, I bought two snakes. They are great pets, and I like them very much. They are one more reason why I may never get married, but at this point, I have nothing to lose and some scaly friendship to gain.
Bill