ANNIE’S MAILBOX: ‘Alone’ is looking for a life partner

September 1, 2010 at 8:42a.m.

By Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: I am a divorced male in my mid-50s. I cannot seem to find anyone to connect with. I am a fit, intelligent, successful businessman. I can prepare a gourmet meal, clean a bathroom and change the head gasket on a 1986 Pontiac.

Most of the women my age tend to be rather fuddy-duddy. They are only interested in their grandchildren, quilting or gardening. Younger women seem to be looking for a mate to start a family. I have no interest in that.

I keep myself active in social, theatrical and church activities. I live in a conservative community, and relocating is not an option. It would be easy to lower my standards, but after two divorces, I would like to find a life partner.

Alone in Casper, Wy.

Dear Casper: Seriously? Women in their 50s are only interested in quilting and grandchildren? Such stereotyping will not endear you to any female. Women of all ages are interested in many things, including social, theatrical and church activities, just like you. If you cannot locate any of them, you are looking in the wrong places.

Casper is a decent-sized city, and you may need to cast your net a little wider than your local community. You sound like a nice catch.

Dear Annie: I’ve been friends with “Charlotte” for years. We used to be “phone friends” but have recently started doing things together (walking, shopping, eating out, etc.). However, every time I ask whether she’s available, she always says, “I’ll have to let you know.” She never says “yes.” Most of the time she is unable to meet me, although she does eventually let me know. It makes me feel like she’ll spend time with me if nothing better comes along.

Charlotte is retired but has a family that takes a lot of her time. I work two jobs, so my time is limited. Two weeks ago, I asked her to come to a lecture with me. I gave her plenty of notice, saying if she was unable to attend, I would do something with my sister instead. Charlotte said she would be out of town that morning and wasn’t sure when she’d return. Later, she left a message saying she was hoping to make it, but wasn’t certain.

When I came home from work, I still hadn’t heard from Charlotte, so when my sister asked if I was available, I went. I left Charlotte a message, saying I wouldn’t be back in time to go to the lecture. I haven’t heard from her since. Was I wrong to do something with my sister before Charlotte gave me a definite answer?

Ohio

Dear Ohio: Yes. Granted, Charlotte seems a little reluctant to make social commitments, but that doesn’t mean you should behave the same way. Call her and apologize for running out on her. Then the next time she gives you a wishy-washy response, say, “I’ll take that as a ‘no’ unless you get back to me.” Or stop arranging to meet up with her altogether.

E-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

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