For some strange reason, loads of women seem to think that once theyre over 40 and have had a divorce or two, life is pretty much over. Im right there with them, to be honest. Ive been married twice. The first time was when I was young, and thats when I had my daughter. The second go was when I was in my thirties. Neither marriage made it past the two-year mark, which makes you wonder, doesnt it maybe there was just something off about the men.
Of course, after my second marriage ended, I did have relationships with men, but none of them led to anything more serious. Now Im 45, and despite everything, I still have faith that I can be genuinely happy, and that my soulmate is still out there, somewhere. To cut a long story short, just last month, I bumped into this chap on the street Mark, aged 49. I was out for a walk in the park, you know, just enjoying the day like the reasonably put-together woman I am, and thought Id stop off at a café for a coffee.
Mark came over to say hello. Now, I wont pretend he was my absolute dream man, but he looked well-groomed and decently put together. We got chatting, and he ended up getting me another coffee. Naturally, I asked him straight away if he had a wife or girlfriend, and he gave a very woolly answer. It was obvious there was someone on the scene, in some way or another. Still, I invited him round to mine so we could carry on our conversation Id made a lovely Victoria sponge the day before and thought Id put the kettle on. And yes, before you say anything, I know inviting a man Id just met back to my place was a bit mad. But quite a few people we both knew had seen us together, so I didnt feel in any danger. Plus, Mark honestly didnt give off dodgy vibes.
So, we get back to mine and walk into the hallway, and Mark immediately has a cheeky little giggle and goes,
Blimey, youve got a massive flat. Looks like it hasnt seen a fresh lick of paint in about fifteen years.
I pretended not to know what he meant. The last time Id done up the place was a decade ago, but honestly, its perfectly nice. Why should I spend my money on walls and ceilings when I could be investing in myself? Surely thats not the wrong approach?
Anyway, I brought out the tea and the cake, and while we were tucking in, Mark started going on again about my flat. So I just came out with it and said, What does it matter what sort of flat Ive got? Why dont you invite me over to yours instead? He clammed up straight away. That was that, really he went home and said hed call me in a week.
He didnt call, didnt text, not a peep for a full week. Then, quite late on Saturday night, he messaged me saying he wanted to come over. So, I replied saying that if he was coming round, hed have to help me with some redecorating new wallpaper and all that. Suddenly, he remembered hed forgotten something very urgent and said hed be in touch next week. Sounded to me like a married man just sniffing around for a fling with someone he reckoned was a bit of a cash cow. Well, Im not interested in being anyones second option. In the end, it doesnt really matter what matters is that all we really had was a bit of friendly company. I know Ill still find real love, Im sure of it. And honestly, my advice to women: if a man isnt willing to do anything for you, why bother with him at all?
