I was 48 before I was married, and we met in a forum. It was a work-related forum, as we were both meta editors at the Open Directory Project, but it was the forum where we got to know one another. Yeah, I know; 48 is not really at the senior age, but it's only a couple of years away from being eligible for AARP. My goal was fifty, since that seemed like the best time to get married.
For me, I think the best way to decide whether you are compatible with a person is to watch how they treat, and interact with, others. On a purely dating site, anyone you meet is likely to tell you what they think you want to hear, if they are interested in you. On a social forum, you can watch them interacting with lots of people on a daily basis. You can still be wrong at first, obviously, but not over time.
Great point Bill! I think one has to understand another's intentions. Flirting because you care about another senior and want to brighten their day, is way different than seeking a romance. It makes me feel good to brighten another's day, especially those older than I. How can I expect anyone to show me they care when I am older if I cannot offer the same? The problem comes from all the different definitions of what constitutes flirting and romance. How do these differ from just a caring and sharing friendship? So many factors such as how we grew up, cultural practices and religious beliefs, etc., account for different perceptions.
I wouldn't care how attractive a man was, if he wasn't a kind person, I wouldn't be the least bit interested. I totally agree with you. Watching someone interact with others is the best way to make a wise judgement.
I agree that you can get a pretty good "read" on a person's personality by getting to know them by their posting style and online interaction. However... for romance to blossom there is a certain amount of chemistry required, at least in my experience. So you might be enamored of someone's online persona yet have zero interest after meeting face-to-face. I have met people from other forums I frequent; some were exactly as I expected from getting to know them online. Others were totally different in person. Of course, none of these were "romantic," but I assume it's the same dynamic.
I don't know where or how she got my email but said she is willing to re-locate to find the right person. My days of love and romance are long gone and I deleted her email.
I'm sure if you had responded, all your personal information would have been compromised on the dark web or you'd have been asked for money. I hope you didn't click on ANY link in that "lady's" email.
It's a shame there are so many scammers out there or it would be nice to have an email buddy. Since your email got out there in some way, double check anything that you get in the near future. I dialed a customer service number on what looked like a legitimate HULU email and got some spyware on my phone a couple of weeks ago.
I am very loose and easy about giving out my email address but very cautious about responding to incoming mail.
How did I miss this thread. I'd have had plenty to say while it was alive. I will just say I am a flirter. A bit of cheeky flirting does no harm as long the flirtee does not mind.