**A 34-Year-Old Single Mom: My Journey Through Motherhood and Letting Go**

I’m a 34-year-old single mother. I used to be quite shy and reserved — still am, though a little less than before. Compared to others my age, I started dating rather late, at 25. I became a mother at 26, and that experience brought an indescribably beautiful feeling. I had a son who was so precious, impossible not to love. But his father refused to take responsibility. When I told him I was pregnant, he didn’t even want to meet, and I didn’t want to see him again either. Since then, we’ve had no contact whatsoever. So, I gave birth alone and have been raising my son by myself ever since. Life became a whirlwind of busyness — being a single mom, feeling the weight of loneliness, and juggling responsibilities left me with no time at all. I didn’t have a chance to meet anyone new, let alone keep in touch with friends. Honestly, after becoming a single mom, most of my friendships faded away. One friend even said, “My husband told me not to meet up with you anymore — he thinks single women are trouble,” and just cut ties.