Single at 40.

Intro.

My name is Leslie. I have a masters in Psychology and I’m a trained CBT and EMDR therapist with a private practice in the French Alps. I’m also a mindfulness practitioner and yoga teacher with a deep relationship to life, to myself, to spirituality and to science.

Last month I turned 40 in a context that I hadn’t expected for myself… alone and aligned.

In December 2025, my partner of 5.5 years and I broke up. It was almost accidental— I knew it had to happen, but I hadn’t intended for it to happen when it did. The words suddenly seemed to be coming out of my mouth, and I had no way of stopping them.

“It sounds like you’re breaking up with me,” said my best friend; my home; my partner in life.

“I think I am. But don’t we both deserve better than this?”

Breaking up with a significant partner and moving out of a co-owned home at 35 is one thing. But months prior to your 40th birthday… is another. I know it’s just a number, but as much as numbers and ages can usually mean very mean little to me— this was actually hitting me hard.

I’m turning 40, and I’m going back to renting.

I’m turning 40, and I’m going back to financial tightness.

I’m turning 40, and I’m going back to… single.

It’s been harder than a younger me anticipated when she bought a house with a person she wasn’t sure about. It’s been harder than a younger me was used to, hopping in and out of relationships like it was her hobby in the 2000’s.

And I thought that perhaps writing about it might be cathartic to me, and perhaps helpful… to anyone stepping into the same sort of transition at this age.

If you like, you can follow me as I recount navigating the emotions and experiences of the breakup process, and stay with me as I walk through single life at 40.

Love,

Leslie