Dear Annie: I worry about being lonely in my old age

Dear Annie: I am very confused. I have a friend who is 70 and is in the hospital. She has put a mutual friend, “Dorothy,” down as her daughter. She has a son, but he is a man-child.

Our friend Dorothy has so many obligations as it is. Dorothy and I are close, and we are similar ages. I do not have siblings, since my brother passed away at a young age. I have an 85-year-old father who has been both mother and father to me.

I have had “Fred” as my life partner for nine years already!

You see, after my father passes, I will have Fred to lean on. But when Fred passes, I will not have anyone. Dorothy says that she will always be there for me. I don’t want to burden anyone. I have finances of my own. I won’t need monetary things. I do not have anyone to leave my things to. I hate to think of myself alone with things I have bought. Those things will not comfort me in my lonely life.

Do you have any thoughts on this subject? — Feeling Alone

Dear Alone: You seem to be worrying about things you can’t control in the future. It sounds like you have generalized anxiety and may need the help of a professional therapist. You sound like a loving person who has family and a life partner as your support system — more than many people have. Try to focus on the present day instead of worrying about the future. The present is a present.

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“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].