There’s no denying that I’m an attractive and marketable 42 year old male so why would I allow myself to get involved with someone who’s already in a ten year relationship? That’s the question that’s been plaguing me the past few days.
A few days ago I shared my ongoing dilemma- young, attractive, 18-29 year old guys wanting to spend some “quality” time with me and in some cases looking to follow through with a relationship. I’ve been resistant to pursuing a long-term relationship with guys under the age of 30, because I feel they lack the maturity and stability that I’m looking for at this time in my life. Just when I wasn’t looking or expecting, here comes an attractive, intelligent, successful guy in his late 30′s captures my attention and now my thoughts.
Do I allow myself to be pursued by a “married” man? Do I set conditions and boundaries? Or do I just simply walk away- ignoring the text messages and phone calls? Would having an understanding that a platonic friendship would be the limit of our relationship as long as there was a boyfriend involved? Would such and understand succeed or would temptation and testosterone be the vehicle that drives me to compromise my principles? Or do I begin to make exceptions and excuses as time passes and I grow more attracted to him to justify my actions.
Yes, both he and his partner have an open relationship and a mutual understanding, but do I sell myself short and just become the “other man”? Do I read into the fact that he and his partner have only seen each other once in 7 months as a strong indication that both are ready to move on? Or do I move on, always pondering whether or not I made the right choice?
It fascinating how one’s life can change when one simply asks a total stranger at a club if he could take a picture.
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