Middle-aged man has bone to pick with middle-aged women
DEAR ABBY: I have something to say about “Still Fun in the South” (Jan. 4) and her complaint that single middleaged men only look for younger women, instead of women their age. I am a 53-year-old widower. I have a six-figure income. I’m smart, healthy, easygoing and have a good life with many hobbies and interests.
On multiple dating apps, I have swiped right on dozens of women my age. My main criteria were that they weren’t fanatically religious or rabidly political. Would you like to know how many swipe rights I received in return? Not one! I feel middle-aged women are far more picky than their younger counterparts, which is why I’m currently in a relationship with a woman in her mid-30s. I don’t pursue younger women -- they pursue me while the women around my age couldn’t be bothered.
I realize my dating experience is anecdotal, and there are extenuating circumstances (COVID), but I don’t
by Bigar
(March 21-April 19): Revisit past missteps. Learn from your experience and make positive changes. In your spare time, go all out for a cause you believe in. It will take you away from yourself and into the hearts of others. Tonight: Weekend countdown.
(April 20-May 20): Curiosity about obscure subjects prevents you from being bored. Drum up the nerve and contact someone you admire but do not know personally. Be patient if you do not get an immediate response. Tonight: Ask a friend for an objective opinion.
(May 21-June 20): Learn about a new technique you can pass on to your work or volunteer team. Get to know each other better on a personal level. That will improve your ability to compromise and negotiate. Tonight: Playtime with children and grandchildren.
(June 21-July 22): You might be asked to mentor someone in a skill you’ve perfected. Rise to the occasion, even if you are unsure of yourself. You may have an aptitude for teaching that you can apply in the future. Tonight: Work up a sweat.
(July 23-Aug. 22): A joint financial arrangement may start to bear fruit, or a new opportunity may appear from out of the blue. The signs are there, so trust in its growth potential. Turn a pipe dream into a surefire business. Tonight: Dinner for two.
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Give someone you love the upper hand, or you may lock horns with no end in sight. Play your cards right, and you will get what you need.
Take charge of weekend plans. Tonight: Shop online for a birthday present.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Assist someone with work that you can do in the blink of an eye. Your actions will stand out when you ask for a favor in return. Roll out a mat and practice yoga poses. Tonight: Reserve tickets to an event.
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t be shy about your talent. Show off a creative accomplishment. The feedback will inspire you to continue in that direction. Children or grandchildren may introduce you to a new musical genre. Show your enthusiasm whether real or not. Tonight: Online games.
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Things may not go according to plan, starting with a delayed early appointment. A family gathering may go south as well. Approach the day with humor, and you will be above the fray. Tonight: Continue to look up ancestral roots. like being lumped into a category and complained about as if middle-aged women share none of the responsibility.
I want to tell “Still Fun” that if she wants a relationship with someone her age, she needs to be a little less judgmental and picky and give those middle-aged men who actually show an interest a chance. She might find there’s more to them than appears in a dating profile. – SEASONED IN SALT LAKE CITY
DEAR SEASONED: The responders to “Still Fun’s” letter pointed out the advantages AND disadvantages of dating people younger, older and the same age. But the common denominator for successful dating, according to those readers, is to emphasize what you are happy about in your life and describe your passions and interests. Someone who exudes confidence, a love of life and who doesn’t come across as desperate for a permanent move-in partner can do very well.
Astrology
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your love of learning will bring you a new sense of purpose. Borrow or purchase books, reference materials and webinars that enhance your knowledge. Dream about immersion into another culture, either abroad or in your own country. Tonight: Bake cookies.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Demand the most for yourself, and everything you want will come your way. Wear brighter colors, soften the tone of your voice, and think before you speak. Transform your attitude and the way others see you. Tonight: Talk to siblings or cousins.
(Feb. 19-March 20): A presentation you prepared could put you on edge. Give yourself enough time to make last-minute changes. Practice relaxation techniques and recite positive affirmations. Make this part of your daily routine. Passion for your material will come through. Tonight: Reward yourself.