Whoa Mark! Don't EVER let another human being ever make you feel worthless! Esp to the point of what you said! No one and I mean NO ONE is worth doing that to yourself. I know (I hope) you didn't mean it and it was out of frustration but you know what....she wasn't the one. And frankly, anyone who could berate and hurt another person with words like that shouldn't be someone you should want in your life. If she's that cruel now....just think if you would have really gotten to know her.
Think about what she said that according to her...you did wrong. Really be honest with yourself. Does she have any good points? Could you maybe change some things that you had done that annoyed her? You did say it could have been better. My point is to take a good long honest look at yourself too and think about what you might have done differently if anything. Learn from this lesson and apply it to the next date. And yes there will be, and should be other dates!
Stop feeling horrible. Now is the time in your life when you have to be like a duck in the water and let these things just roll right off your back! Learn from it, let it go and move on Mark! She wasn't the one and that's that. Lick your wounds but get back up and at it. You've come so far, don't let this little blip in your life scar you. You've been through much worse and survived. You've got this!
Tomorrow is another day.....bright and fresh....you'll be okay!

Darcie

You dodged a bullet! It's possible that she was comparing you to her late husband. Its been over 3 years for me, and when I first tried dating I did this, not directly to the person like this rude lady did, but in my mind, and that's how I knew it was to soon for me.
Live for yourself, be yourself, don't be who someone else want you to be.

Hi Mark, I too have met some whackos. It's not you, believe me. You've gotta have an incredibly thick skin for the internet dating. Nothing is worth taking your life - ever. Focus on learning to love yourself before you even attempt to love anyone else. Believe me, it is the only way. ~~~ Scottie

I guess I am angry. I was starting to feel good about myself. All the progress I have made in the past 2 years. One of the many people I talk to was just telling how much better I am now than even a few months ago. This just really blind sided me. Sure, I knew I could have done things differently on the date. Who knew this date was pass / fail. You have to be carefull I guess.
Mark

I think my lesson here. If things seem like they are moving too fast or too well. It might be wise to take a step back and slow them down.
Mark

Mark, one thing I'm aware of is that I have a very short emotional fuse. Remnants of grief that I well imagine I will have the rest of my days. So, I do my best to not react to anything until I have slept on it. And then, I usually just laugh about it. Not worth what little energy I have. The fact that you shared with us is important. We can't hold this stuff in, whether it be shared here or with a confidant. Release it and wave bye-bye, sinorah, hasta manana,I wish you the best, or in extreme cases, have a good life without me (always spoken in love, of course). ~~~ Scottie

Hi Mark, Sorry to hear of this sad experience. There are many other choices on the site. Pick a few. Spend time messaging and chatting before you decide if you want to spend time with them.
The next date will probably be entirely different.
Having some things in common is important and will make for a more interesting date. Go back out there and have fun. We care. Dolores

In my opinion, there was no reason for her to send you a critique -- that's inappropriate. Either she had a good time or she didn't, and either she would like to go out with you again or she wouldn't. She does not need to do a "play by play" of a first date and send it to you. The good news is she showed you who she is, now run away!!

I think it takes a while to find someone who might be compatible with you, and also to whom you are attracted. Then, bear in mind that it has to be mutual. Odds are tough at my age (54) I know, but I just go along with the hope that if I find people I like spending time with (as friends), then eventually, I'll move towards finding someone who can be more than a friend.

I say give yourself tremendous credit for trying, and chalk this one up to the fact that there are some really nutty people out there. Kind of makes you want to just stay in and watch Netflix, but don't give up!

Sounds like mostly guilt and shame on her part, has nothing to do with you. Sometimes us widows, having buyers/meeting guilt, then we regress, and blame.... I have noticed, I keep looking for excuses for not meeting someone etc. she is blaming you for how she feels about herself, perhaps. Otherwise, maybe she is just not ready to date, or maybe she is just a mess? lol. I wouldn't worry about it. Just say, "Next", there is someone out there for everyone, and never, and I mean never give up. Much love and hugs carla

I'm compelled to be blunt. Sorry, since I'm a widow too, but that woman sounds like she's either very mean, or a wack job. Or both. Sending a date critique. Really? Just what was supposed to be the purpose of that? And it was only her personal opinion anyway.
I was nearly 58 when my beloved husband of over 38 years died. I dated numerous gentlemen afterwards. Most of them were fine, but a few were definitely not "suitable" shall we say. I just didn't go out with them again.
Eventually I met a kind man who I love. Don't even give that message another thought. And don't give up.
Dianne

I think she might be regretting some of the "very fast" things that happened on the date. So taking time to know the person first might be the lesson here. Sometimes we want to go to the end line quickly. For me, to love someone I need to build trust first, otherwise the relationship will crack under small friction.

I hate to put it out as if I know what I'm talking about...

Oh Mark... I just want to reach out and give you a big huge hug and tell you everything is going to be ok. And then tell you to run in the opposite direction as fast as you can away from this woman.
I'm so sorry she did this to you. But it was not at all appropriate for her to do this. Not in any way, shape or form.
I suspect there was a lot of bitterness and anger in her last marriage and she used you as a punching bag for all the 'wrongs' she had with others.
I've had some really bad dates... but never did I send a critique to anyone about the date and about them personally, just that I felt we were not suited for each other. Even for those where it was very clear that I might be their ideal, but they were definitely not mine.
Even as self-aware as I like to think myself, my 'baggage' can creep in and reek havoc - just see my post about my past baggage and the challenges it presented with Art. Dang I'm glad he's a patient man and clever enough to understand.
It's not you, sweetie.
Regroup, take some time to pamper yourself, and try again in a while. If you have a female friend or relative with whom you can discuss this, get their opinion on things YOU think you might improve.
None of us were dating experts before... and it's tougher now, with expectations being so high.
Sending big hugs. xo Jacq.

I greatly appreciate everyone's responses. I heard the words I needed to hear. Time to dust myself off and get back into life again. Thank you all.
Mark

I have dated, and decided I am set in my ways. I can't take it to the next level of dating. Things have changed in the last 50 years.

She sounds horrible. I would never hurt someone's feelings like that. Hope you can find a friend to see, then maybe it will turn into something more. Don't give up, it took me over a year of bad dates to find a good one.

Paula