Hello, Mcj--I'm sorry to hear that your spouse passed...I'm guessing two years later, and especially after having done some nursing, that's still a little raw. If writing here gives you just a little relief...cool.

I hadn't heard that phrase--purse or nurse--before either. That was a bit disheartening, to hear that people thought any future relationship you have could only be for one of these two purposes.

I like that you're thinking through what would and wouldn't suit you in a future relationship. If you don't want a marriage, that's good you know that. No need to do what other people think you should do. And definitely there's not need to limit yourself to the two very narrow options they say you should consider.

That's a lot of what I'm doing now through the recent pieces I'm writing--listening to the experiences other people have had, listening to their thoughts to help me consider all sides of the many options, but also making sure I apply what they say to me, the way I am, and my own circumstances.

A companion to spend time with, do activities with, but not have to do chores for: That sounds pretty good! I hope you'll keep me posted on how that goes, Mcj. My very best to you. --Lee