8 tips for a part-time Senior Girlfriend

Danielle (name changed by request), 74, recently emailed, “I have been reading your articles for years. Partly because of your encouragement, I recently found love in my 70s online. I’d like your opinion regarding a new relationship I’m in.

“For seniors, it is hit or miss with internet dating sites. I was on and off different sites for 12 years. Before online dating evolved, I met a man from a newspaper ad. That relationship lasted 10 years.

“Recently, I was online for only a month. I saw the profile of a man, 68, living in the town next to where I live. He mentioned that he didn’t drink, which is important to me.

“What I did differently this time was have my picture taken at a department store, so when men asked me how recent my picture was, I could honestly say, ‘It’s current.’

“I contacted him. We met for coffee and hit it off right away. We’ve been together for four months. He is the kindest man I have ever met. For Christmas, he gave me a 55-inch smart TV with a beautiful stand and emerald-anddiamond earrings.

“For my birthday in October, he gave me a diamond-chip necklace. I thought the expensive gifts meant the relationship was getting stronger.

“However, there has been a change. He was at my house this evening, mounting the TV on the wall.