Oh, boy, relationships. I've been in two long running ones, and each ended (I thought) not due to any wrongdoing on my part. Having been hurt twice with these partnerships, I have been very wary to get involved again with anyone. I have enjoyed having the freedom to make my own choices independent of anyone else's feelings or interests, and I'm afraid I've gotten a bit spoiled about that after so long a time.
I spent a great deal of my childhood alone, so being by myself has never been a problem. I will admit there are times when things look black or problems arise that it would be nice to have someone close to really confide in who really had a vested interest in one's life, more than my wonderful dear friends have. But I've found that those troublesome things tend to sort themselves out and then one is grateful for the solitude and peace that comes with not having anyone else to worry about. So, having a partner is a two-way street for sure with pluses and minuses for me.
Since I am currently dating someone now with a potential interest in its getting serious, who knows what the future will bring? I do know I'll have to consider very, very seriously all the ramifications of losing some of the freedom of choice and privacy that comes with having someone deeply in one's life.