19 Comments

I've been single 35 years and have been online dating for the last 25 and I allow a woman to shave off 5 yrs for ad purposes (guys search by age ranges) but I've had dates with women who shaved a generation off their age which in itself doesn't pose a problem on the upslope for me as I have always gravitated toward older women but the lack of honesty and self esteem of somebody that shaves 20+ years off is what I could not abide with.

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My most successful ad was, “Woman looking for a man with a barn.”

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On target, Ann! I look forward to reading more tales!

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your writing is so vivid! smart, edgy and funny! would be fab film or series! keep writing! LOVE! delicious like a favorite dessert without the calories!!!

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Fabulous, Ann! I imagine most of us have similar stories to tell, but never so humorously and well! x

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It would be lovely if you could leave this as a comment on Substack. Just cut and click the little dialogue box above the Artemisia painting and under my name. And then paste in your comment.

How's by you? xxA

On Sun, Feb 7, 2021 at 10:15 AM Wendy Goldberg <wendylgoldberg@gmail.com> wrote:

Love your writing, your edge and sense of humor!

After my mom died and my dad started dating and eventually remarrying a woman none of us liked (we were out of the house then), my dad not only lied about his age to her but my older sisters age as well, to cover his ass. Even though she was far from the sharpest knife in the drawer, she discovered his age when she had to get his d l license out of a drawer when he was in the hospital. Not his finest hour

I love the image of that woman standing up at the play! I used that line on myself when I was working at a job I hated

Sent from my iPhonehttp://www.wendygoldbergart.com

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So relatable, and great story-telling! As a friend in her 60s said about online dating, "They're either looking or a nurse or a purse!"

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Hi Ann, what a great numerous story!🤣. Love the Artemisia painting which is so fitting!!

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Hi Ann,

I have hardly gone on dates though I am on the sites. Haven't seen anyone that interesting and must say I avoid/neglect the whole thing. At my age much of what I get is geezers or someone far too young who to my mind either wants a Sugar Momma or has a serious mother hang-up.

I suppose I should pay more attention to this part of my life but I find it somewhat repelling and distressing to boot, being online and doing what is tantamount to shopping.

But in truth there is hardly another way to meet someone...ugh.

Keep the Rotten Romance stories coming!!

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Wonderful stories, Ann. A friend who was introducing me to "What to watch out for" on dating sites had a dinner date with a man who had posted a 20 year old photo on his site. At dinner she asked him "So what were you thinking when you are obviously not 50 years old?" He replied "Well, I thought once you got to know me it wouldn't matter." She replied "But don't you see, you have begun our relationship with a lie?"

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TJ Mabrey <tjmabrey@gmail.com>

9:34 AM (1 hour ago)

to Ann

We're all delusional. We think we can still pass for that period in our lives when we were in our prime. It doesn't just happen in the personals ads.

I'm at an age when I read the obituaries. It happens there also! Photos of beautiful people who have passed, and I say to myself, "Oh. so young." But then I notice they were born 80 years ago! It's the Illusion as Delusion effect!!!

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Love your stories!!!

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I enjoyed that story so much. Chuckling here. I haven't had a date in 25 years but who is counting? When friends say I should do match .com or one of those, I think I really dont want to spend my time doing that. I really wouldn't want to share my space with an old man, and besides I dont want the tension of wondering what to wear and how is my hair. I may be the most 'alone' person I know but Im quite content, and getting great results with my art because THAT is where I put my energy. Thanks for making me feel not quite so alone.

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And I LOVE the Artemisia painting--I mean, I've always like the painting anyway, but it's the perfect choice for this story....What fun!!

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Ann! What a story and excellent message. I am so going to commit store this quote in my bag of tricks. "This is my life. My one and only life. Why are you wasting my time like this?"

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