Man’s questionable relationship isn’t friend’s concern

Dear Annie: A friend got married for the second time. At the wedding, some of the bride’s relatives told the minister, “These two should not be married.”

Two years ago, he filed for divorce. He wanted nothing from her. After he moved out, he began seeing a psychiatrist, during which time he became very reclusive.

As it stands now, they are once again dating each other. I have no respect for either at this point. Stumped Dear Stumped: What’s it to you? This is their relationship, for better or worse. If we all gave as much thought to our own mistakes as we do to everyone else’s, perhaps we’d make fewer of them. Dear Annie: In light of all the revelations about sexual misconduct by men toward women, I would like to share my personal experience. I am in my 60s and single and have never been married. I tried very hard for many years to find a woman I could go through life with but quit trying many years ago.

I guess the main frustration for me has been the way that some friends and others I have observed have treated women in a very disrespectful manner but nonetheless have been able to have success wooing women. Of course, in many cases, these relationships haven’t worked out, but I have always been somewhat amazed when women initially find a man’s disrespectful behavior acceptable. Lonely but Proud Dear Lonely but Proud: Truly respecting women means respecting their intelligence and judgment. So rather than blame your loneliness on their taste in men, consider that something is lacking in your approach to dating. Perhaps you could improve your conversation skills or work on your confidence. When you feel good about yourself, the inner critic pipes down; you can actually be present in real conversation and figure out whether you like someone. This kind of genuine selfassuredness is palpable and magnetic.

You’re only in your 60s. If you want to experience the joys of romantic partnership, I encourage you to adjust your technique and give love another shot.