Dear Eric: I was married for 27 years to a wonderful woman who has passed away. We made joint decisions on the big things, but for the most part, what she said was what we did.
Included in this was discipline for me, including assignments such as standing in the corner. None was abusive, all consensual. It worked for us, and only a few other people were aware of our situation.
It’s been two years since she’s been gone, and I’m back online with a pretty normal dating site. How do I bring up my desire to be back in such a female-directed relationship with potential dates? Obviously, not our first get-together, but when? I’m puzzled. Any ideas?
Eric says: I’m sorry for the loss of your wife. And I’m sorry that the inability to share this part of yourself has made the grief process more isolating.
Try dating sites that are geared more toward specific interests and communities. Apps like Chyrpe and Feeld are designed to connect you more quickly and effectively with women looking for female-led relationships, for instance. Always exercise caution, of course. Review a site’s safety procedures, and use sites that include identity verification, if possible.
Additionally, consider putting your desires in your regular dating profile. Including this important detail about you can invite messages of interest.
Dear Eric: My mother is 92 and lives alone in the Midwest; I’m in Southern California. She lives on 65 acres about 18 miles from the nearest town. I phone her twice weekly and sometimes more often. After I retired, I asked her to move here and found a lovely place for her. She refused.
I visit her twice yearly, and my sister and brother visit, as well, but not as often. She doesn’t drive and, thankfully, my niece lives close to her, shops and helps her whenever my mom asks her for help.
