Dear Annie: I am in my mid-30s and have never married or been engaged

Dear Annie: I am in my mid-30s and have never married or been engaged. I’m feeling frustrated, hopeless and depressed most of the time because of this. Is there really hope? — Depressed Help-Seeker

Dear Help-Seeker: Of course there’s hope. I imagine it can be difficult to see your friends and loved ones hit life milestones you feel quite far away from achieving yourself. Remember, there is no exact timeline for when you should be in a serious romantic relationship.

If you’re really committed to finding a partner, try browsing online dating sites. Are there new hobbies or activities you could pursue where you could meet people with similar values and interests? Perhaps one of your close friends could see you hitting things off with someone they know and can initiate a meeting.

It is easier said than done, but don’t be discouraged. Romantic partnership is a big part of life, but it’s not everything. There are so many other ways to feel fulfilled, happy and successful aside from having a boyfriend or husband. Oftentimes, when we stop focusing on the negative or forcing something to happen, things fall into place perfectly on their own.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].