For some reason, a lot of women seem to think that once they’re over forty and have been through one or two divorces, it’s perfectly fine to simply give up on life. I happen to be in just that situation. Ive been married twiceonce when I was quite young, which gave me a daughter, and then a second time when I was thirty. Neither marriage lasted longer than two years. I suppose there was always something off when it came to the men.
Of course, after that second marriage ended, I dated again, but none of those relationships ever led to anything serious. Now, at forty-five, I still believe happiness is possible, and Im certain my soulmate is out there somewhere. To get to the point, just last month I met a man, quite by chance, out on the street. His name is Mark, hes forty-nine. I was taking a stroll in Hyde Parkalways put together, if I do say so myselfand decided to stop for a coffee.
Mark approached to introduce himself. Admittedly, he wasnt exactly what Id call my dream man, but he looked presentable, tidy, and made an effort with his appearance. We started chatting, and he bought me another coffee. Naturally, I asked almost immediately if he was married or had a girlfriendhe answered somewhat dodgily. It was rather obvious he had some sort of arrangement. Nonetheless, I invited him back to mine to continue the conversation, offering tea and a Victoria sponge Id baked the day before. You might say I was utterly mad inviting a stranger into my flat, but we had been seen talking by mutual friends, so I didnt feel at risk. Besides, Mark didnt strike me as the dangerous sort.
We got to my place, stepped into the hallway, and Mark had a look around before chuckling.
Youve got quite a spacious flat. Looks like it hasnt seen redecoration in fifteen years.
I pretended I wasnt sure what he meant. Truth be told, I had my last round of decorating done ten years ago. But it still looks perfectly finewhy spend heaps fixing up walls and ceilings when that money could be spent enjoying life? Is that really such a bad approach?
I brought Mark his tea and cakes; we sat, ate, and drank, but soon enough he started nitpicking the flat again. I told him plainly, What does it matter what my flat looks like? Why dont you ever invite me over to stay at yours? He fell quiet at once. That was that. He left, promising to call in a week.
He didnt call. Not a text, not even a quick hello. Then, late Saturday night, he messaged saying he wanted to pop over and see me. I told him, if he came, hed be roped into some redecoratingwallpapering, specifically. Suddenly, he remembered some urgent business hed conveniently forgotten, and assured me hed ring the following week. I suspect hes a married man looking for an affair with a woman whos well-offand I clearly dont fit the bill. But thats all right. The important thing is, what we shared was little more than casual company. I know Ill find the love Im hoping forI truly believe that. And Id offer any woman this advice: if a man isnt prepared to put the effort in for you, hes not worth your time.
