DEAR ABBY: I am a 50-year-old divorced man. I use an online dating service to meet women my age, but I'm extremely frustrated by the lack of courtesy.
Why is it so hard for a woman to simply write, "Thanks, but I'm not interested" after getting a note of inquiry? My photos are recent, I'm polite and I send thoughtful notes that show I have read their profiles carefully and think there's a chance we have something in common. I admit, I'm not the handsomest man, but I hold a master's degree and I am financially stable.
I have sent a dozen notes over the last few months, and not one woman has been polite enough to respond. Any thoughts? -- DATELESS IN DAYTON
DEAR DATELESS: Please don't let the lack of response make you quit putting yourself out there, because eventually you're going to find someone if you keep trying. You are an intelligent man, and I am sure you have much to offer some lucky woman.
However, I would delicately point out to you that by not responding to your notes these women are sending you a message. It is possible that because the "chemistry" is wrong, they do not wish to get into a dialogue.