I’M PUSHING 70 AND FEEL A FOOL OVER LOVE SPLIT

Dear Coleen

I’m a man in my late 60s and have been retired for a couple of years. I got divorced 15 years ago and never met anyone special until a few months ago.

This wonderful lady came into my life – introduced by a friend – and we were inseparable for weeks.

We went on a few weekend trips together, lots of evenings out and took our dogs for a walk regularly.

It was very romantic and I could definitely see myself being with her for the rest of my life. All the signs where there that she felt the same.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, she pulled the rug from under my feet and told me she didn’t want to take our relationship further and that we should probably stop seeing each other. Her explanation was that she didn’t want to get into anything serious “at our age”.

I’m devastated and can’t believe I’ve had my heart broken at nearly 70. I feel like an old fool.

Please advise.

Coleen says

You’re not an old fool – you’re hopeful and romantic, and you sound like a great catch. Look, age and experience don’t protect you from heartbreak, I’m afraid, because when we love another person, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable. It’s going to hurt and it’s going to take time to get over.

I suppose if you step back and give her space, she might come to the conclusion that, actually, she does want to give things a shot with you. However, what I think this relationship has proved is that you absolutely can meet someone else and be happy, if that’s what you want.

Focus on your other friends and interests, and accept every invitation going. Good luck.