Choice Ignored?

Sometimes I really get confused with people. I don't understand what I am doing that may make people act the way that they do. A few ex's continued to pursue me years after we broke up even though I have been very clear that it wasn't going to happen. I have met people right off the bat that assumed because I talked to them and paid them any attention that it meant that there was something there beyond friends. Is it something I say/do, etc that I am unaware of causing these men to act this way? I really don't think so except the fact is that I live in Smalltown USA and many women in these small towns have one thing on their mind...hookin' a man, settling down and being taken care of. Well it sounds good in theory, you have to look at the implications that such arrangement presents. 

I won't lie and say that it hasn't been something I aimed for at one time but considering I am a 2 x DIVORCEE. I got married too young the first time and then I got married for the hell of it the second time. I had my chance twice and it didn't work out. I don't like to be dependent on a man and I don't want to act like a man's housewife/mother. Men have in the past let me down time and time again that I don't want to even try for anything like this. I decided that when my last dating adventure went south last year and the engagement was broken and ring returned, that I was going to remain focused on the three things that meant everything to me: my kids, getting through school and working! I can't and won't commit to anything beyond that.

I think that some men think like Small Town USA women and think they HAVE have a woman and its annoying to meet someone that you have nothing but an interest in being friends and then its like I should feel bad because we have chemistry as friends and so that must mean I want to date you too? No and if the pain of rejection is so bad well think about why it has happened. Hmmm you think that just because you care for someone that its supposed to automatically be reciprocated? No it doesn't have to be. I have the choice. If I "friend zone" you then you have to accept my friendship as all there will ever be. Nothing more but definitely never anything less. I value my friendships more than any romantic relationship on any given day of the week. So don't ignore the fact that I am my own person and I have my own choices to make. As a friend, those choice should be respected.

(sorry wanted to vent)