EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)
I was looking for some wisdom from older men to a somewhat younger guy like myself on what you make of love and sex in today's craz (ier) world?
How it differs from when you were younger etc
The reason I ask is now that I'm approaching consistent point in my manhood - I'd like some various opinions
I've never met the right gal and now it seems even more difficult to even get into whatever exists of a 'dating' scene
People have been belittling me for years for not being married - as if there is something wrong with me - Orson Welles once mentioned the days of 'happy uncles and normalcy in being a bachelor'
But as you know(at least for me) us men have our needs and I'd like to find some kind of consistency with another person
As for love I still believe in it - call me a romantic - But I am not completely against the idea of casual encounters and sex as a part of life if I address it directly. I always assumed that even in marriage as a man grows old the sex becomes secondary albeit a focal point of the
'dirty old man'
what do y'all think? Feel free to vent/deviate
Well, we could start with the fact that you decided to ask a bunch of strangers on a virtual forum for life advice, or that you assumed that age brings wisdom. hooooboy...
Age does offer a few of us some perspective. Wisdom? Seriously?
So here goes, because it's easy for me to give advice. It's easy for anyone to give advice. Doesn't mean the advice is worth anything.
Why do people belittle you for not being married? Is it belittlement, or does it just feel that way? Do you have unrealistic expectations of yourself that you don't live up to which result in low self esteem? Besides, what business is it of theirs? Why care?
Marriages can be wonderful, but most of them are not. Happy marriages are in the minority and many people stay married for financial reasons. Divorce is expensive. You might be dodging a bullet. Other people might be trying to persuade you to get married so that you will be as miserable as they are. Tell them to stuff it.
Still want more sage wisdom from a virtual stranger? Read on.
I've been married twice. You might think that once would be enough of a lesson, but I'm a romantical sort of cynic, so I tried it again. BTW, I'm still very good friends with both wives, and I can count on either of them in an emergency as they can me. But the experience taught me that marriage isn't for me, and if the stats are true, it isn't for most people. Half the country admits to cheating on the other half. My ex's and I all get along MUCH better separated than we did married. We like our space.
Advice on what kind of a woman to look for is completely and utterly useless. Only you can figure it out through experience. Attraction is different for everyone.
Personally, I'm attracted to intelligence and wit over looks. It's not that looks don't matter at all, but their importance diminishes quickly when not accompanied by a mind. Other people are into body parts.
I suppose that honesty is the best policy. If you are one of the few that actually believes in it, honesty tends to inhibit you from engaging in activities that you're ashamed to admit to. Or it offers you tremendous freedom by being honest and open about your "quirks". If you like to strip naked and dance around a mulberry bush at midnight during a full moon and are open about it, the chances are you'll eliminate incompatible candidates and find kindred spirits more easily.
Years ago I tried online dating. I decided to be honest about my inner gonzo. No bullshit about moonlit walks on the beach, or any of that. So I wrote a very frank portrait of myself, posted it, and forgot about it. The response was unbelievable. Women were contacting me about being so honest and they wanted to meet me. The dates were fun, even when we both realized that it was a one timer. And one turned into a relationship that went for 6 years. We're still friends.
I think it worked so well because I just relaxed and went with it, rather than trying. What was it Yoda said, "There is no try!".
Still looking for insights from a virtual codger? I just quoted a rod puppet.
Sex can be great fun. I've enjoyed literally bed breaking, furniture toppling, neighbors pounding on the walls sex and enjoyed every bit of it. And I've enjoyed very quiet sweet and tender sex. Nothing wrong with it as long as both parties, or all parties if that's your thing, enjoy it.
TMI? Don't ask questions like this.
It's tough to meet people in the middle of a pandemic, so your options may be limited for the foreseeable future, or you may find creative ways to meet people while practicing social distancing. Or you may decide a roll in the hay is worth the risk to you and others in contact with you. It's all up to you.
Two more things from the virtual codger.
No relationship has a ghost of a chance for long term happiness if you're not friends first and foremost.
The importance of liking your partner is often underappreciated.
So, that's it. If you have any questions regarding Barlings I'm happy to help.