So I get to date ... neither of them?

Hello Meredith, I am a professional, divorced woman, early 60s, trying to meet an intelligent, kind, non-pretentious man for a serious relationship. There was a man I dated for almost two years – I loved him – but he repeatedly…

Furthermore, he has a life insurance policy where she is still the beneficiary.

There were certain aspects of our relationship that seemed incompatible when we first started dating, but those issues have really been at the top of my mind recently.

He moved out of their apartment and has lived separately now for about 13 years.

To him, it’s a non-issue, and keeping it a secret as a favor to ex was the least he could do.

We began enjoying more physical contact, but anything beyond a certain point was forbidden. Her faith taught her that you do not have sex with someone you're not married to.

And not in a "just take a Benadryl" kind of way.

I can’t imagine my life without him, so I may just bury this with me.

When we disagree, he gets incredibly defensive.

The problem these days is completing the task.

I really try to be patient and respond with love and care, but sometimes I feel myself absorbing his anxiety and stress, which is super unhealthy for me (I've got health issues of my own).

Have I no pride?

I don't think this is near enough to call off an upcoming wedding, but it's so frustrating!

He said he has a friendly nature and will work on this issue.

I just don't think that for her happiness or my own, I can realistically remain in her life the way I hoped.

I see that he just isn't a very involved father. It breaks my heart not only because his son is so sweet and silly, but also because my own father was absent and it had a big impact on my life.

'In 2021 and 2020 combined, we have had sex less than 20 times.'

The spark was still there and there was no denying it, but it had just been so toxic we didn't want to hurt each other again.

He says he is working on it and I believe him.

He isn't Boyfriend #2, he’s Boyfriend #1 and I love him.

I know the kind of advice I would give a friend if they were in my position, and I have a feeling I know what you’re going to say.

... as I’ve been hurtling toward cheating on him, I asked him for permission to have sex outside of our marriage.

... my dream is to be out there, where I've wanted to move long before we even started dating.

Even when we live together for weeks upon end, we get along better than a dream.