So as many of you know I've been taking my health more seriously and I'm happy to report I've lost 33lbs and my blood pressure has dropped significantly. Also on a positive front I've applied for a new job in my hometown, I'm not saying ill get it but it's an opportunity I couldn't at least try for.

Now for the negative, my lady and I called it quits a while back after 14.5 years. Nothing nasty on either side...no abuse or cheating.....just doesn't work anymore. So here I am creeping up on 43 and I'm single for the first time in almost 20 years as there was almost no lag between my last two relationships. Just curious to see what's next!

Sounds like a dating rampage is about to happen along with the new renaissance man busting out! For most guys it hits around 38. You are slightly behind the curve but not out of the game.

New wardrobe. New look. And girlfriends half your age! Been there. Done that. Its how I wound up with a second set of kids. lol

Stay focused on fishing! Nah forget that. You only live once! Make the most of it! Dating rampage IS fishing! I'll leave it here before I get in trouble- again. Post photos!

Wow! That's a lot of ups and downs! It has to be tough but you have a great attitude. That's impressive. I've been through it also. I'll be blunt, it sounds like it's already a healthy thing for you. Even still, loss and change are difficult. Make sure you sit down and enjoy a Michter's now and then! I'm always here for a PM and a drink and so are a lot of other people on here. Keep that postitive attitude, man. You're winning.

Sorry to hear that about you splitting up.

Moving sounds like it something you want. After a break up I always felt like I’m was in limbo, not knowing which directions to go. It all falls in to place eventually.

The real question is …. Is the fishing good in your hometown? Just kidding…

Holler if ya need to, just a PM away.

If it wasn’t working a fresh start can be a good thing. Take your time & figure out Your priorities.

Like Dwight said...take your time to figure things out. Don't jump right into something that might be regretful later.

Stay away from women and fish your ass off. You just spent 20 years with them and are a free man with none of the problems. Fish, that’s what you do.

Thanks for all the advice a words of encouragement... Its greatly appreciated. I've already got a buddies girlfriend trying to set me up but I'm not ready for that yet. Gonna take my time, fish , get to know myself again, focus on my health and hang out with friends. When something is supposed to happen ill know and be ready.

33 lb lost and lower BP is fantastic. Take care of yourself and have some fun.

On 3/16/2026 at 10:01 PM, GreenPig said:

33 lb lost and lower BP is fantastic. Take care of yourself and have some fun.

Got 29lbs to go and ill be at my first target weight

starting over is hard but you have the right outlook! I wish you all the best

My wife and I hit 31 yrs in Jan. We figured out a long time ago it was easier and cheaper to just love each other and stay together 😂 I’m 52 and the thought of starting over scares me big time, so I just do what she says…

That said, I know starting over on a work capacity is challenging. Especially as we age. So, I am sending positive vibes your way my man! I would say I’m down for a drink, but I’ve been sober almost 7 years, but if you need to talk, PM me and you can have a drink and I’ll smoke a bowl.

Appreciate all the support guys

I waited till i was 55 to get married, while i was in the military i knew not to get married as i saw first hand how the cheating took place on both sides. Then when i got out I spent the next 27 years looking for the right one that I could love and trust.

I dated and lived with a few of them and they would get angry with me for not wanting to marry which led to us breaking up.

I thought I was never going to find a woman to love, I had 3 weeks of vacation built up at work and decided to take off for the Philippines for those 3 weeks and had the time of my life, no I didnt fall in love in 3 weeks or meet the girl of my dreams, what I did discover was a whole new culture of woman unlike any i had been a part of in the USA.

From their close family dynamics showing love and being happy while living in a bamboo structure with banana leaves for a roof to eating rice and fish 3 meals a day. Materialistic is not in their vocabulary. When I arrived back in america I had a plan, a year later I retired early, sold my truck, tools, threw aways years of photo albums in the dumpster, packed 3 bags and moved to the Philippines to start a new life.

One day I was looking for a new sweat wicking type of shirt and the sales girl was helping me and I knew she was the one without even knowing her name, I knew it in my 6th sense , its as if God put her in front of me and said here is what you were waiting for, no more need to search, its over, she was a lonely widow and I was a lonely man.

We moved to the USA in 2019 and just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and yes I will answer the 1 question you are all wanting to know, she Does out fish me.

So to you @ Ditch Panda, your mate is out there, to what extremes you go to find her are up to you. So good luck my friend, stay positive and my best wishes to you.