I'm 40 years old.
I've never dated, but haven't even looked in about 5 years. Before I took on taking care of my Mom I'd get jobs through the temp agencies, hoping for something I'd like that would become full time. I've even given up going out once a week.
The social workers at the last place Mom stayed when she had pneumonia told me to spend some time to myself, which on their recommendation I did, and Mom told me I should have instead stayed and worked on our, admittedly messy, home.
My family when I try to vent frustration to them only respond with "You chose this life by only having temp jobs" or "You'll regret saying that when she's gone". The only one that seems to be on my side is my niece who keeps insisting on our getting a respite worker to work at least once a week, which Mom says she doesn't want and doesn't see a need for.
Given my age, should I be trying to get my life started or continue spending most of my time with Mom and waiting for the unfortunate end to come, one I pray every six months to be pushed back another six months, and then get things rolling? I'd like to have a family of my own someday.
So as PStiegman says, you HAVE to build a life apart from your mom. You need friends and activities that will ground you and keep you engaged and involved in life when your mom is no longer here. If you don't need work for the money, then get out and do some volunteer work that is far removed from caregiving. Find a volunteer activity that is something you like. Or start going to church or get involved in some kind of group. You deserve a full life apart from your mom. Your family (other than your niece) just doesn't get it. But we do, so come back here for support.