do you think late 40s is ' too late ' to catch up on what you have missed out on

basically i traveled a path less trodden in life, not many people have been through what i have....suffering mental health problems for the majority of my adult life, a lot of bad experiences with people and trauma too......i missed out on everything people take for granted, never found relationships...never had a partner.....spent the majority of my adult years on my own, feeling isolated and alienated from people.......lost touch with the friends from my youth, everything i've been through, i've been through ' alone' - with the only support my mum and dad, who are now elderly........i know no one who has been through what i have.

so now i am trying my hardest to put my past behind me, i have a personality disorder but have improved so much all by myself, i have better mental health support now....and now i'm nearly 48 years old.

i don't think i want for much out of life, just to find a partner, to find a connection with someone....which is what i always wanted, a steady relationship with a woman....i don't want nothing else as i have a roof over my head, income, the security basics i need...my mum and dad.....all that's missing is that special someone.

i'm trying my best to improve my situation but is it too late for me now?

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

Depends what you want to catch up on? What do you think you've missed out on?

I'm single, never been married, not travelled internationally since 1990's (when I was still single before kids happened), never bought a new new car, never had a threesome, and lots of other things, but the biggest thing I don't know is how to do the whole human adult interaction thing (sex, dating, intimacy, romance, etc.) as it's always felt like I don't understand it. I don't have friends, don't socialise, do shiftwork, am an introverted neuro-spicy 50+ man.

I don't pine over most of the stuff I've never done because I know I either can't afford or the opportunities won't come my way. Just like fulfilling mutually-enjoyable adult relationships where I feel like I 'belong' and am respected.