On Life and Love After 50 eNewsletter
By Senior Dating Columnist Tom Blake
On Life and Love after 50 eNewsletter July 14, 2023 A Champ is Conflicted about Senior Dating By Columnist Tom Blake |
Part 1 – Conflicted. Still Fence-Sitting Champ Candace emailed this week, “I’ve followed your eNewsletter for many years, took a short break when I got remarried at age 60. Let’s just say, that was a mistake. My husband did a full 360 once we were married. Even my adult children said the man I divorced was not the same man I married. Lesson learned. “I doubt I’ll ever get married again. My first marriage lasted 18 years and gave me two incredible children and now four fantastic grandchildren. “I find so many ways to keep busy–reading, cooking, sewing, and quilting. I make a lot of items to gift to friends and donate. Quilting to donate makes me happy and saves my sanity. I do enjoy going out to dinner or to a movie with friends. LOVE to dance but haven’t found a dance partner that only wants to dance. Ha! “Is there something wrong with me for not wanting a relationship at this stage of my life? Have I been soured on romance by past relationships? It’s a lot of work to sift through all the online profiles and figure out who’s truthful and who isn’t. I don’t have the drive or energy to do that again. “I see older couples, walking hand in hand, looking very happy, which would be very nice. I never thought I’d be 68 and alone. Give me a pep talk, or tell me I’m ok, just the way I am. Feeling very conflicted.” Tom’s Response: “Thanks for writing. You are fine the way you are–IF YOU ARE TRULY HAPPY. “However, I think you are asking for my opinion for a reason. You’d like to find love again. Let me know your thoughts about that. “Keeping busy as you are doing is important. However, should you start dating, you might need to tweak your schedule to free up some time to make yourself more available to spend time with a new partner. Not all the time, but enough time to enjoy each other. “What does a dance partner only mean? Sounds like you don’t want a physical relationship. Is that true? Many older men still want a physical relationship, along with the friend aspect. And some women do as well. If you want ‘friends only,’ some men will pass on dating you because they want intimacy. “Yes, online dating and senior dating is work, but for some people, who end up meeting a mate, the effort is worth it. “Have you soured on romance because of your past experiences? Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a new love that might please you and warm your heart. “At 68, you are young. You have lots of life to live. Don’t simply fret about it, wondering what to do. Start slowly, with simple networking. It doesn’t have to be a big agonizing decision. Tell your friends and family members you’d like to start dating. Ask them if they know of any single guys who might enjoy meeting you. “Marriage. Some seniors, many actually, do not want to marry again; I sure don’t. People can have a rewarding relationship without marriage. My partner Greta and I were not married and yet enjoyed 25 incredible years together. Both of us had been married three times before. “Older couples walking together holding hands. You say that would be nice. Doing that is within your grasp, it will take time and energy to be out and about, and maybe even online.” Candace, “Tom, thanks for the response. You’ve given me food for thought. Think I’m sitting on the fence right now. I’ll mull your thoughts and reply again soon. Here’s what I know for sure: “Marriage – No thanks. I like having my own space to retreat to. Plus doing all the legal name change items is a real hassle. Nope. “I’m financially comfortable, don’t need anyone to support me. “So, finding someone to be a companion for going out to various functions would be lovely. “If, there could be a spark, who knows where that could lead? I’m still fence-sitting!” Candace has promised that she’ll keep us informed of her decision. We need to help her get off the fence. Part 2 – Tom’s Interview with Gary Scott Thomas Back in March, I was interviewed for about 45 minutes by a former well-known Country and Western DJ–Gary Scott Thomas. I mentioned it in the eNewsletter in March but it didn’t air until this past Wednesday. Gary wanted me to talk about my book, “Prime Rib & Boxcars. Whatever Happened to Victoria Station?” And about my working with Johnny Cash for a couple of years. And then a bit about my writing on the senior dating topic. It’s strictly a verbal interview, there is no video, which I discovered later when I learned that my desktop computer does not have a camera on it (no wonder it was so cheap to purchase). Had I been on my laptop, there would have been video and audio. In case any Champs are interested in listening to 48 minutes or so of me talking about my past, while not getting bored, or falling asleep, you can click on this link. https://garyscottthomas.com/tom-blake/ Be sure you start the interview at minute 2:19. Again, I apologize there is no video. Tom’s interview with Gary Scott Thomas |
In Part 2 above, Tom was interviewed by Gary Scott Thomas, a well-known and respected Country and Western DJ. Tom talks about his book Prime Rib & Boxcars. Whatever Happened to Victoria Station? Tom is also asked about his relationship with Johnny Cash and near the end of the interview Tom talks about his senior dating writing career, now in its 29th year. Contact me if you’d like an autographed copy at a deeply discounted price. Tom was also the co-producer of Johnny’s album, pictured here, called “Destination Victoria Station.” An album of Johnny’s most famous train songs. 50,000 albums were produced, and 2,000 of those went to Johnny Cash. He told me later he wished he had more albums as they were very popular in Europe, especially in the Czech Republic. |