Reply #69: Well done!

[City of Mills]

I can completely understand where you're coming from...even the "approving mom" angle, as my spouse's mom went out of her way to accommodate and enable our relationship, as she absolutely adored me and still does to this day. I was the first guy she brought home who didn't act like a smart-mouth punk, had a drinking problem or habit of hitting her. I was a catch, and I was the genuine article. I taught her self-respect and confidence, and those are things she took with her even as our marriage ended.

I wonder in your case, whether you had a tougher time with dating someone older, or someone of the same sex? It's sad that other people project their insecurity and judgments on your relationships simply by looking at superficial aspects, though I suppose that is a little bit of base human behavior at work.

Thanks for posting this, it's really an interesting perspective and take on the many complex issues which influence a relationship, whether directly or indirectly.