Replies to '03/31 Love Smart, Part 1'

I am a 33 year old newly wed and I never thought I would get married! I am now married to the most wonderful man in the world (sorry ladies). Guess what, he's 25! I was in a bad relationship for 7 years and although I don't hate my ex I just new that we had gone as far as we could go. I needed to get on with my life for our daughters (now 3 & 1/2) sake. I dated a little after we split but my focus was on school so even though alot of the guys were wanting to get serious, I was hesitant. I had a friend from work who was very sweet and we flirted but I'm like that and I didn't give him too much thought because he was so much younger. One day he asked me out, just like so many other times but he followed it with "I'm not kidding". I was shocked!  

I never, ever dated anyone younger than me but there are so many things about him that are different than all the others. He turned out to be the most mature, emotionally available man I have ever known. He wasn't afraid of marriage, he was excited. He loves being a husband and a father to his daughter and mine. If I had let the age thing get in the way, I would never have experienced the happiness that we share. The point is, you have to keep an open mind and take some chances when it comes to dating. I wasted alot of time with men who had the "right looks" or were the "right age" but the wrong everything else. In hindsight, I should have gone out of my way to date guys who were not what I was looking for. At least that way I wouldn't be expecting anything but dinner.  

Believe me, I have had my share of dates gone wrong so here's my best advice (for what it's worth): 

If you ever see your ideal man, ask the guy next to him out on a date.