You’re not the only person with this question.

I get similar letters from 45-year-olds, by the way. Time is limited, people are weird, first dates are awkward, and sometimes it’s easier – and more restorative – to see a friend than try for romance.

That’s OK. Do whatever you want.

If you do seek a more romantic (and consistent) kind of intimacy, the goal is balance, I think. Don’t spend too much time doing any one thing. Hop on a dating app for 10 minutes a day; no hours of scrolling. If you’re doing just a little to meet new people, that’s enough. Maybe one or two of these connections will turn into something worth more than a situationship. Perhaps you’ll meet one person who’s extraordinary, with similar goals.

Try to accept that these moods about dating – and your life – are temporary. You might feel cynical for an hour, but then it passes. You might feel hopeful for a whole day, or love your life as is for another.

Many of us get reductive when we think about our love lives; things are either excellent, with great potential … or 100 percent hopeless. But usually the reality is in the middle.

You can spend some time dating, hope you meet a life partner, and know that even if you don’t, your time is well spent, and you experience a lot of joy.

You’re doing OK, and dating fatigue is part of the journey. That’s part of the deal at any age.

– Meredith

Readers? Is this a question that people younger than 60 are asking? How do you decide what social pursuits are worth your time?