Sep 7, 2023·edited Dec 1, 2023Liked by Beth Broderick
I am glad that I checked back in after way-too-long. I somehow let by subscription lapse. This brought up all sorts of things that I have been thinking about recently, especially in light of a recent disastrous date with a woman at-or-about-my-age. She had expectations. I did not. She clearly came from a very different place than me in many ways. She went away very angry and did not accept my apology. I should have been clearer with her.
I have largely dated women older than me. This is not because I have gone in with a plan to do so, it just seems to have been the way that it has worked. When I have pursued someone significantly younger than me, it is largely because I have forgotten that I am at an age when it is possible for someone younger to have an advanced career and plenty of interesting life experience to talk about.
Folks talk about the frame-of-reference issue, which seems to have been exacerbated by the pace of technological change over the last twenty or thirty years. Several years ago, I dated a woman who was over a decade younger than me, and her obsession with her phone and her tendency to communicate by text exclusively was a source of minor frustation. I could have gotten past this, but there were other issues. Mutual lust may be a foundation for an impulsive fling, but not a relationship.
Thank you for fearlessly giving us so much to think about, as usual.
It can be very difficult especially because we are pretty set and sure of who we are and what we do and don't want. Thanks for becoming paid. It really means a lot to me.
Sigh ... the tendency of some - your date - not to love others but themselves. I think aging is especially hard for those who focused on themselves. Wisdom that comes with age (and it’s breaking down) often helps one to help others. There is joy in that. Love others for their benefit - that also comes with age.
I think one value of age and wisdom is that the understanding of love is far more deep and rich - than simply sex. Passion can exist without even physical intimacy. The Reeve family showed that. Loving others dearly without regard to their exact same reciprocity. Love of pets as our daily companions. Love of principles and of life.
I think you are exceptional, Beth. You do exactly what you do. Find those that truly and deeply love you without an agenda.
And I think you will open your home/heart to a new pet when the time’s right. Visit the pets of others until then. You gave all your prior pets such love that they echo in your heart still. ❤️
I am glad that I checked back in after way-too-long. I somehow let by subscription lapse. This brought up all sorts of things that I have been thinking about recently, especially in light of a recent disastrous date with a woman at-or-about-my-age. She had expectations. I did not. She clearly came from a very different place than me in many ways. She went away very angry and did not accept my apology. I should have been clearer with her.
I have largely dated women older than me. This is not because I have gone in with a plan to do so, it just seems to have been the way that it has worked. When I have pursued someone significantly younger than me, it is largely because I have forgotten that I am at an age when it is possible for someone younger to have an advanced career and plenty of interesting life experience to talk about.
Folks talk about the frame-of-reference issue, which seems to have been exacerbated by the pace of technological change over the last twenty or thirty years. Several years ago, I dated a woman who was over a decade younger than me, and her obsession with her phone and her tendency to communicate by text exclusively was a source of minor frustation. I could have gotten past this, but there were other issues. Mutual lust may be a foundation for an impulsive fling, but not a relationship.
Thank you for fearlessly giving us so much to think about, as usual.
Tom
It can be very difficult especially because we are pretty set and sure of who we are and what we do and don't want. Thanks for becoming paid. It really means a lot to me.
all wonderfully written... honest and funny ... a wonderful combination... ty so .....
parker
Thanks dear one. Hope all is well with you and yours. xo BB
Sigh ... the tendency of some - your date - not to love others but themselves. I think aging is especially hard for those who focused on themselves. Wisdom that comes with age (and it’s breaking down) often helps one to help others. There is joy in that. Love others for their benefit - that also comes with age.
I think one value of age and wisdom is that the understanding of love is far more deep and rich - than simply sex. Passion can exist without even physical intimacy. The Reeve family showed that. Loving others dearly without regard to their exact same reciprocity. Love of pets as our daily companions. Love of principles and of life.
I think you are exceptional, Beth. You do exactly what you do. Find those that truly and deeply love you without an agenda.
And I think you will open your home/heart to a new pet when the time’s right. Visit the pets of others until then. You gave all your prior pets such love that they echo in your heart still. ❤️
EHugs.
Thanks James. Being true to myself is my main agenda these days and I aim to stick to it.
Hope all is well with you and yours! xoxox
BB