Annie's Dating Blog

Dear Annie, I spent the last several years in a long-distance relationship that didn't work out. At first, we believed that we were perfect for each other. But he gradually pulled away and it took me more than a year to realize that there was no way that he would ever come back.

This has reawakened my desire to find love. I don't want to become involved with the wrong man yet again. I'm fifty-two. I worry that I don't have a lot of time left before I'm no longer attractive enough to date. Sheila

Sheila, The good news is that you don't have to worry about becoming too old to find love. A recent Match.com study reported that people over fifty are the fastest growing online dating demographic.

Your belief that your options are limited may cause you to settle for a man who looks good on paper, but who isn't available for the long-term. Instead, focus on getting to know men over time before allowing yourself to become emotionally involved with one man.

Often, when a passionate relationship ends it can leave you feeling hyper-vigilant. One of the legacies of your recent romance is that you may have become so risk-averse that the thought of taking the chances needed in order to find love could feel terrifying.

One of the keys to successful dating is being able to embrace all its uncertainty. Until you know where a relationship is going, keep all of your options open. Continue to meet new men, whether you're online, taking classes or participating in various activities.

There is no way to guarantee that you can avoid pain. But, you can minimize your chances.

Being interested in someone you just met is healthy. Investing your love in someone who hasn't shown you that he'll treat you well is not.

Dating is about not knowing the ending and remaining calm while you navigate the ups and downs. Adopt the attitude that you are a detective who is investigating whether a man is a good fit for you.

Ask yourself a lot of questions before you get to the emotional point of no return:

• Does he mean what he says?
• Does he like you or does he just want to have sex with you?
• Are you the only one he's seeing, or is he a player?Does he want the same kind of relationship you do and does he want it with you?
• How do you feel about him?
• What might you feel like you owe him at any part of the dating process?
• Fill in the blank: What else do you need to know about how he feels about you and how he treats you before you feel it's safe to give him your heart?

Once you approach dating in this manner, it becomes easier to be confident and friendly. Look at dates as opportunities to discover how you interact with someone you don't know well. Rather than deciding if a man is "the one" right away, take time to become acquainted with different men.

Letting go of preconceived attitudes about love, dating and men, while keeping your wits about you is one of the keys to discovering love.

How long should you date before taking down your profile?

Dear Annie, I met Al online a couple of weeks ago. I can't remember ever experiencing such a profound initital connection.

Why first dates should be more fun

Are your first few dates often fun meetings where you're becoming better acquainted with someone new? Or do they always feel like pop quizzes?

Pay attention to his actions

If you have to ask if he's your boyfriend...he probably isn't.

Most men express how they feel through their actions. If he wants to be your boyfriend, you'll know, because he'll treat you well. You'll never have to wonder what he's thinking, because he'll be there for you.

Did his distancing behavior end their relationship?

Dear Annie, When my boyfriend, Stan, asked me to move in, I thought that I could handle his occasional uncommunicative moods.

Dear Annie, My friends keep telling me that I'm too picky. But when it comes to finding true love, I think that it's really important to get exactly what you want. I think that my marriage failed because I didn't choose the right person.