DEAR ABBY: I am now 54 years old and have been a widow for almost 10 years. There's a gentleman in our small town of 7,000 who lost his wife four years ago. He's very eligible, and to my knowledge, has never dated since her death.
I called him about four months ago to ask if he'd be interested in going to dinner with me sometime. He owns a business, and he said he was very busy, but he had thought about calling me.
About a month ago, he had a new grandson, so just to make contact, I sent a congratulatory card, adding if he ever needed any company, I'd enjoy going to a movie with him sometime. I gave him both my home and work numbers. I have still not heard from him.
Abby, I think about him every day. He's a good, hard-working man and seems like a good catch. It took me 10 years to really become interested in dating again, and I'm disappointed that I haven't heard from him.
Should I make any further attempts to let him know I'm interested, or just wait it out? -- POISED TO POUNCE
DEAR POISED: He has your number(s); now it's up to him to pick up the phone and take you up on your offer. You've done as much as you can without boldly chasing him. The good news is that you now know you're ready to consider another man in your life. If he doesn't respond, keep looking. Good luck.