DEAR ABBY: "Dave" is 49, well-educated, gainfully employed and still lives with his parents. He has never been married and has no children. His dating history is "sketchy" -- he claims never to have had a serious relationship with a woman. When I asked him why he has never lived on his own, he told me he feels comfortable living with his parents.
Dave and I have enjoyed a strictly platonic relationship for nearly a year. He recently told me he's in love with me and wants us to be exclusive, with marriage as the ultimate outcome. I have been divorced for 20 years. My children are independent, thriving adults. Marrying again is not a priority in my life.
Dave is kind, sensitive and thoughtful. I care for him deeply, yet I am skeptical about becoming seriously involved with a man who seems to be "hiding" something. Am I being overly critical, or is there something wrong with this picture? -- JADED IN JERSEY
DEAR JADED: The situation you have described is unusual, but it doesn't necessarily indicate that Dave is "hiding" anything. He could be a simple man who enjoys the living arrangement he has with his folks -- and the lowest sex drive in New Jersey. Before making any hard and fast decisions, you and Dave need to have some frank, serious and ongoing conversations. You also need to determine how his parents will feel about "losing" their son after 49 years of togetherness.