DEAR ABBY: I am 49 and have been dating a 26-year-old woman for about five months. We have a great time together and have talked about love and being in a long-term relationship. However, I am afraid that I am setting her up for an unhappy and disappointing midlife as I may require adult care about the same time her parents do.
She becomes upset when I try to bring the subject up and asserts that she's willing to accept the responsibilities associated with my golden years because she loves me. I'm not sure how much of her response is rooted in her love for me and how much may be the result of a lack of life experience. If I stay with her, am I being selfish? -- OLD ENOUGH TO BE HER DAD IN MICHIGAN
DEAR OLD ENOUGH TO BE HER DAD: Not having met you, I can't be sure. How are the genetics in your family? Did your parents live to a ripe old age without falling apart? How would you feel to be raising teenagers when you're in your 60s? Do you think you can keep up with them -- and her?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to love. I have heard of many devoted May-September marriages. But regardless of age, both parties should go into it with their eyes wide open -- and that includes the two of you.