ArcaMax

I have teenage children who visit me for a couple of hours each week, but I am more like a grandmother to them than a mother. They are part of their father's family, not mine.

And although I am a fairly attractive woman, I have not been able to find a boyfriend, despite meeting almost 100 men through online dating sites throughout the years.

I have a few friends, and go to meetups and even organize them. I do enjoy myself at times, but at the end of the day I am alone and have nobody to wish me good night or good morning or to ask how my day was.

It is taking a toll on me. I am alone 95 percent of the time, and don't see how I can survive the rest of my life like this (I am only in my 50s).

And although I am not suicidal now, I feel like if this loneliness goes on for another 10 years or so, I will be.

I am not religious and don't believe in God, so I don't have that to keep me going.

-- Lonely in the 'Burbs

Dear Lonely: You present a few clues to your predicament, but don't provide details. Your children, for instance -- you don't live with them and don't seem to have much of a relationship with them. And the 100 men you've met through online matching sites -- presumably there were opportunities there, which you seem to have missed. Your loneliness may stem from your own problems relating to people.

The most obvious solution for you would be to get a housemate. Many people your age (and older) don't want to live alone, and, just as the internet has helped to match you with potential romances, you can use this resource to find potential housemates. Several sites specialize in roommate matching specifically. Also put the word out among people you know.

Another option is to adopt a house pet. Animals can make amazing companions; if a cat, dog or bird bonds with you, it will provide an ever-flowing source of amusement and affection. You may also find it easier to relate to an animal companion.

While you are testing your options, I hope you will also seek counseling to discuss your issues. A therapist will help you to recognize patterns in your own life, with a goal of changing them for the better.

Dear Amy: Your reply to "Maybe Auntie," who wasn't sure about the actual parentage of her "maybe" niece or nephew, was both beautiful and poignant!

If only every baby were welcomed into this world with love, regardless of their DNA. I hope that Maybe Auntie will love this baby!

-- Proud Auntie, Heather

Dear Proud: Making a choice to love a baby and welcome it into the world is both compassionate -- and easy.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)