DEAR ABBY: I divorced two years ago after 25 years of marriage. During the divorce I met a man who helped me through the emotional roller coaster I was on. We became close and hoped to be married eventually. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack.
My mother introduced me to another man, "Donald," who is good and kind, but who was "burned" after a divorce and a long relationship. We see each other once a week, but I'd like to see him more often.
I'm having trouble being in limbo and not becoming too attached to Donald. Conventional wisdom tells me to stop waiting for him to come around. I work, volunteer, and have been asked out by other men. I have turned them down so as not to jeopardize what I currently have. Donald isn't seeing anyone else.
Can you please help set me straight once and for all? I'm in my late 40s and feeling blue about my dating situation. -- UNCERTAIN IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DEAR UNCERTAIN: Has Donald told you he's not interested in marrying again? If not, he may warm to the idea eventually. However, for him to expect you to date him exclusively with no commitment on his part is unfair to you.
How long have you been seeing him? It seems to me you need to have a mature discussion. From where I sit you have no reason to feel blue. You're seeing him once a week, having a guaranteed good time, and you can explore the possibility of a permanent relationship with him or any of the other men who have shown an interest. So think positive and enjoy yourself.