When my wife died, in our 12th year of marriage, I figured that, at 42 I was too old and set in my ways to be serious with someone again....

The first person I dated afterwards,caused me a real problem: I fell madly in love with her. In fact, I told her that I wanted to live with and for her, for the rest of my life. She was shocked- and a bit panicked.

I told her it was alright if she didn't feel the same way, but that I wanted to be honest. As you can see, my dating skills were rusty.

She didn't stay my girlfriend for very long.
I think now, I was too quick in revealing my intentions. Honesty is fine, but timing is important too!

By the way, she didn't stay as girlfriend because,8 months later, I married her--and she's still around 15 years later. My wife, best friend, and musical partner.
Sometimes things work out in spite of ourselves.