be glad when they ghost quickly

It means you've saved time, heartache, frustration, anger, resentment.

Sent a like on Facebook OLD, like returned, we matched; he was good looking and I liked his bio. I was impressed that he messaged very quickly, and kept the conversation going, so points for all that.

However, I immediately noticed a distinct cooling off when I said I didn't have kids and never wanted any. He has kids, and honestly, finding a childfree man in his 40s or 50s (I'm 54) is very, very rare. I'm open only a tiny bit to a man with kids, but that's precisely why I'd insist on living apart together. A man who wants companionship, and who respects my lack of desire to parent other people's kids would get this, no problem.

So I made it clear I was looking for fun companionship, living apart together, and lifelong devoted partnership. He ghosted.

Honestly, I'm only slightly disappointed, but not at all upset. He's saving me and himself lots of time and even more disappointment. We all want what we want; moreover, you can't force yourself to want what you just don't want. I'm almost positive he'd have preferred another parent, and a more traditional living-together situation, plus very possibly traditional marriage. Fair enough, you do you.

I've found, though, that saying precisely what I want, and spelling it all out very early on helps the weeding out/vetting process. I for one absolutely refuse to be a carefully pleasant, bland image to make every man want me. No, I'm determined to let my individuality and unconventionality show right away. This is the way. Thank you next!