(warning: major off topic content follows)

point taken, Rob...

The difference is that you have been best friends for a long time. You grew into it together. Trying to recreate that same magic between two older people who are both set in their ways is a whole different animal.

If my wife were still alive, there would be no question about where my attention and focus would be. But she isn't.. and so the million dollar question is whether to simply accept and use the time and liberty I have left... (with no guarantee that there's much of it at all)... or trade that time and liberty for a relationship that may or may not be as satisfying as what I traded to get it.

I do value marriage, and if my original observation left you feeling judged, that wasn't my intent. My marriage lasted 38 years and it was the envy of everyone who knew us. I got married right out of high school and I've never had a time when I just lived the single life... until now.

Is it great? no... but I like it a LOT better than the senior dating scene.