Sweethearts struggling with age gap
DEAR ABBY: I have a male companion who is 30-plus years older than I am. We were together for a while, then stopped so we could try to find someone closer to our ages. Neither of us did, and we recently started seeing each other again.
Although we are good for each other, we are realistic that our relationship isn’t long-term for major reasons. (I want children; he’s happy with grandchildren. He wants to travel after retirement; I’m just starting my career.) We don’t dwell too much on the future.
My problem is, I’m really falling in love with him. Last time, I was reluctant to become emotional, because I was afraid of getting hurt.
But this time, I am all in. Can any good come of this? We meet each other’s relationship needs in the here and now, but is the end just heartbreak? — Loving for the Moment
DEARLOVING: It’s time to start compiling a list of the pros and cons of this romance. You and this man are at different stages of life and have very different goals. If you really want to have a family and a career, you will have to sacrifice something for it, and that may be devoting much more time to this man. Sorry, but something’s gotta give.
DEAR ABBY: Recently, my husband and I were walking down the sidewalk in our neighborhood and came across $160 in cash strewn all over the ground. We picked it up, and as we were doing so, our neighbor came outside. We knew her husband had just gotten home, and the money was near his car, so we asked if it might be his. We handed her the cash and told her to let us know.
Two weeks have gone by, and no one has claimed it.
Our neighbor still has it in her possession, and has mentioned that we should spend it on toys for our kids or food/ drinks at the next get-together.
While I think these are OK ideas, I’m a little bitter because my husband and I found the money, and I feel we should be the ones who get to keep it if no one comes forward. I don’t want to damage the friendship with our neighbors, but I feel like we’re losing a bit. What do you think? — Finders Keepers
DEAR FINDERS KEEPERS: I think you should have had your neighbor ask her husband if he had lost any and how much. Because you didn’t do that and they have the cash, perhaps you should “remind” her that “per her suggestion,” you would LOVE to spend some of it on toys for your kids, and ask for some or all of it back. If she’s a good neighbor, she’ll agree. If not, you will have learned an expensive lesson.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.