Falling in Love in a Mature Way

I am 69 and have been single since 1998. I now have a “girl” friend and we are falling in love on a mutual basis.

I have been seeking a wife ever since my last marriage which was my second one—17 years ago. Her name is Nancy, and she’s cute, petite, a nurse, intelligent, educated and—most of all—kind. I believe we have mutual respect, admiration and enjoy each other’s companionship.

Our communication seems good and yet it also appears that she changes plans beyond what I am used to doing; I’ve lived alone for 17 years and am used to doing optional things when I want to do them.

This business of her being kind and in a noble profession is just what I have searched for so long. I remember when asked what I wanted in a potential life partner in the very beginning my answer was “kindness.”

Our friendship looks like it is headed in the right direction. We seem to fit in a comfortable and congenial manner. Mature love is more than emotion and sex. It has a lot to do with the wisdom-associated values of empathy, truth, honesty, justice, cooperation, peace, compassion, universal well-being, creativity and general knowledge. Shunning the negative values of selfishness, greed, envy, hate and revenge are also necessary for a sound foundation.

I’ve met many couples that have been married for over 50 years and a lot of them told me that you “had to work at it.” I think that’s true of courtship too. I look forward to this delightful process.