BRAVO Sharon! What an excellent article and a great topic. Having just turned 66, this is something that has been subconsciously on my mind. I sometimes feel guilty for not wanting to be responsible or obligated for someone else's care, companionship, happiness, or any other expectations that often come with "friendship". It's crazy, because I'm the healthiest person of practically everyone I know my age or close to my age, and even among younger individuals I occasionally socialize with. It's a weird position to be in, but I've been a caretaker most of my life, so now it's my time to enjoy the freedom I'm fortunate enough to have in my old age. So I say: "Make no apologizes Sharon." I certainly don't :-)