‘I got fed up really quickly’

Rae Radford, 55, is a social media consultant. She lives in Herne Bay, Kent.

I was only 18 the first time I married and we had a terrible time. He just wasn’t right for me. It really affected my self-esteem and I’ve struggled with relationships ever since. My second marriage only lasted seven months. I got fed up really quickly and felt I was happier being on my own. I had no patience for tolerating someone I didn’t think deserved me. I married a third time and that lasted for 23 years but eventually he then let me down too. Since breaking up in 2017, I’ve realised I’m happier on my own. I do date and I like

men to fall in love with me. But I never stay in a relationship for more than three months.

Why be miserable?

I just find men terribly unreliable. Why be with someone who makes you miserable when you have a good life on your own? Online dating is difficult, but it allows you to meet people without having to get in too deep.

I like male company. I just don’t want to be in a relationship where you do everything together and end up driving each other mad. My mum was widowed at a young age and was always by herself. That has probably affected how I live now. She was a tough old bird and I’m much the same.

I don’t need to be in a relationship any more to feel valued.

‘i’ve realised i’m happier on my o wn’