Is the Dating Pool for Folks 50+ a Cesspool

 

Is it just me, or has the world of dating gone completely haywire in recent years?

The other day, while running some errands with my youngest daughter and her youngest son, we happened to get flagged down by a tractor trailer driver. As I was driving, my daughter did all of the conversing and we soon became aware that this rather handsome gentleman was interested in connecting with me. (He asked my daughter if she was ok with him talking to her fine Mamma?) After the initial shock wore off, and over fits of laughter, she let him know that yes, it was ok and then he shouted out his cellphone number. My fellow Minxes know that nothing about that entire scenario is typical for me, but as I had recently opened myself back up to the possibility of dating, this seemed to be right on time. As my daughter was ALL for hanging up my hermit title, she took the number and texted him my number and soon enough, my phone was ringing. The initial conversation, although brief, was pleasant enough. I learned that we’re both October babies, both in our 50s (he was turning 56 the following Tuesday), and was from Philadelphia. The conversation then turned to him asking me whether I had pretty feet or not, and although I was a bit uncomfortable I chalked it up to his uncanny way of wanting to break the ice. After a few more minutes of conversation, I ended the call, agreeing to call him later on that evening. Later on that evening, although I was hesitant to call him, (I’m an introvert and the thought of conversing with him was draining my mental already…should have taken that as a red flag!), I was also bored and curious, so I figured why not? Almost immediately after the pleasantries, he brought up the ‘pretty feet’ again, and after another successful, (or so I thought) redirect, he steered the conversation towards sex. When I shared that I was celibate and had been for the past 6+ years, he expressed mild disappointment, (I say mild because HE HAS A WOMAN!), but wanted to know what it would take to ‘break’ me, (i.e., money, car, home, trips, clothing, etc.) I was floored! I couldn't believe that this guy was actually trying to cheat on his partner with a random woman. It was clear to me that he had no respect for himself, his partner, or me. Needless to say, that conversation ended quickly. This experience left me wondering what the dating pool for folks 50+ is really like. If this guy felt comfortable enough to "shoot his shot" in this way, then what are other people out there like?

Is The Dating Pool For Folks 50+ A Cesspool?

I thought that people in our age group would be more mature and respectful. Is it full of people who are divorced, lonely, and desperate? Folks willing to do anything to find someone, even if it means cheating and/or disrespecting themselves and others? I know that dating can be tough, but I also know that it's important for me to not become discouraged and remain positive. I know that not all men I encounter will be like the tractor trailer driver in this story, and despite all the stories from the Podcast Bros and Social Media, there are good men out there who are looking for meaningful, long-lasting relationships. The plan is to remain patient, (Help Me Father!); not lean on my own understanding; allow God to direct my path, while using discernment to keep myself safe! If I happen to meet a nice man along the way, that's great! But I'm not going to go out of my way looking for one. So, to all the single ladies over 50, I say this: Don't Give Up! There are still good men out there. Just be patient, use discernment, and don't settle for anything less than what you deserve. And if you happen to meet a tractor trailer driver on the road who asks you about your feet, run away as fast as you can!

Talk Soon!

Kimberly

The Middle-Aged Minx™