Divorced man feels inadequate, anxious
Dear Annie: I am a 60-year-old divorced male. I am decent looking, financially secure, have a lot of close friends, and am fun and interesting. Yet I haven’t dated in 25 years. Why? It is embarrassing to admit, but I feel inadequately endowed.
My friends think I am just too picky, but I can’t tell them the truth. I would love to have a woman in my life to travel with and share all that I have to offer. I don’t want to go on spending my life alone. What can I do?
Embarrassed
Dear Embarrassed: We suspect many of the women in our reading audience will be writing to ask for your address because you sound like a gem. (Sorry, ladies, we don’t put readers in touch.)
We won’t say, “Size doesn’t matter,” because we know you believe it does. But the majority of women are more interested in the rest of you. The secret to a great sex life is in the organ between your ears, and your willingness to please your partner. We guarantee there is a woman out there who will love you for your personality, your intelligence, your warmth and your kindness. Tell your friends you are looking, and then check out church groups, volunteer groups and even online dating sites.
Dear Annie: For my mother’s 80th birthday, my three siblings and I planned a catered dinner to celebrate. We agreed to split the cost four ways and updated each other frequently on the details.
When we received the quote for the meal, I discovered that two of my siblings had made changes to the menu, including the amount of beef ordered and the type of chicken served. Also, the two of them decided the cost should be per person instead of an even split. This change seemed to be directed at me since I have the largest family.
That was a month ago and I am still a little irritated. The extra money doesn’t bother me. What does is the hijacking of the party by my siblings without agreement from everyone else. Am I out of line?
Still a Little Miffed
Dear Miffed: Of course not. When siblings are paying for a joint celebration, all of the costs and details should be discussed and agreed to by everyone unless someone opts out. Perhaps your siblings thought you would balk at the idea of a per-person distribution, but if you have a much larger family, it would not be unreasonable to pay extra. Nonetheless, they should have discussed it with you ahead of time instead of making these decisions unilaterally.
Let your siblings know that you expect more transparency next time and then please try to let it go.