By Tom Blake
Often, when men become single after a lengthy marriage, they try to reset their biological clocks by pursuing women who are 15 years younger -- or more. Here's what a guy can expect:
He feels young again. She's spontaneous and energetic. His friends envy him; his ego is the size of Detroit. Then, he realizes...
She's not involved for love. It's his money, assets, power, and security she desires. He realizes, "Egad! I'm being used." If his money runs out, will she be far behind?
She likes to eat out every night. At the finest restaurants, sipping Sonoma County chardonnays. As his waistline expands, his wallet contracts.
She loves to dance. In the clubs, after hours. He does the funky chicken; she does the salsa. He gets tired and sleeps in his car until the club closes at 4 a.m. when she rejoins him. Then, she wants breakfast (at Tiffany's).
Her four teenagers are a handful. He did the dad thing years ago. She wants a child with him. He'll be 80 when his newborn graduates high school. And then there will be college expenses.
She wants a sizable insurance policy . . . to help her take care of him when -- not if -- his health fails before hers.
Their respective histories don't jive. She thinks that "The Kingston Trio" was three guys from Jamaica and that "The Crew Cuts" were actually haircuts. She likes "Smashing Pumpkins." He thinks she's talking about what he did as a kid.
Their interests vary. He's thinking of retirement and a golf cart; she wants to open a 60-hour-a-week business and drive a new BMW convertible.
Finally, he realizes that being with a younger woman won't make him young again. But it will be a lot of work, and will give him nothing but headaches.
He decides to date someone closer to his age. He discovers there are thousands of mature, wise, secure, appreciative women in their 50s and beyond who'd be perfect for him. He's come to his senses.
Tom Blake is the author of Middle Aged and Dating Again (Tooter's, 1997).
