Flying Solo: Single Women in Midlife

The women whose stories are collected here challenge the common wisdom that to be happy they must be married or living with a man. Between 1990 and 1992, family therapists Anderson and Stewart with research associate Dimidjian interviewed 87 never-married, divorced or widowed women between the ages of 40 and 55. Defining success as feeling good about oneself and one's life, these women describe their varying paths before reaching the self-affirmation that required relinquishing the ``dream'' of marriage. Among the myths exploded here are the notions that single women are lonely and depression-prone, cannot achieve financial security and lack commitment and focus. In this sharing of a common experience, there is encouragement and role modeling, accompanied by practical suggestions for women who are determined to make it on their own. (Aug.)