DEAR ABBY: I have heard this but never believed it: When a woman is beautiful, men are afraid to ask her out for fear that they will be turned down. I am 65, and all my life I have (luckily) been told that I am beautiful. I have imperfections, but if I were a man, I would be proud to be seen with me.
Men stutter around me, so they don't ask me out. I attract younger men, but I live in a small town and I wouldn't want to start rumors. Please tell me what you think about my dilemma, and will I ever find a soul mate. -- WONDERING IN GEORGIA
DEAR WONDERING: You will find a soul mate after you stop worrying about what people say about you. At your age, eligible men are scarce, so if someone younger shows interest, don't make your decisions on outdated stereotypes, take him up on it!