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Theresa L. Goodrich

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Window Dressing

Day 9: “I’m not embarrassed to be with a younger man, except when I drop him off at school.” – Angie Dickinson, veteran vixen

I was single for a stretch of about ten years, give or take a couple of two-month relationships here and there. I loved being single and thought I would never ever want to get married again. I would often joke that people would see me in my sixties wearing a mu-mu and trailing a string of boy toys behind me. My only restriction was that I couldn’t date anybody who was closer to my son’s age than he was to mine.

I think Angie and I would have gotten along.

The truth is I didn’t then and don’t now really care about age, his or mine. What I did and do care about is the more important stuff. Can we talk? Do I like the way he treats others? Do I like the way he treats me? Is he fun and exciting and challenging (intellectually) and easy (conversationally)?

Many women I knew had lists. If a guy was to be “the one” he had to meet a laundry list of personality, physical, and career traits. He had to be damn near perfect before they’d consider going on a second date. For me there was a freedom in not looking for Mr. Right. Instead I went out with guys ranging from 11 years younger to 12 years older. I was having fun. So, apparently, were they, because I’m still friends with almost every guy I dated in that decade. For them, I’m sure, there was freedom in not being compared to a checklist.

To be honest, though, I did come up with four requirements. They’re simple and to this day I feel they’re all I need to decide whether or not this guy is the right guy:

  • Make me think.
  • Make me laugh.
  • Don’t make me cry.
  • And make me wake the neighbors.

Everything else, in my opinion, is window dressing.

About Theresa

I'm the founder and publisher of The Local Tourist and author of the Two Lane Gems book series. When I'm not telling people where to go, I'm planning my next adventure.

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Theresa L. Goodrich; Author, Traveler, Speaker, Emmy-winner

About Theresa L. Goodrich

Hi! I'm Theresa.  I've been telling people where to go since I was a little girl. Just ask my parents. And my brother. (Um. On second thought, don't ask him.) A … Read more about About Theresa L. Goodrich

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