For a long time, I would always refer my boyfriend, as friend. It's over 2 years now, and he has not had a problem telling everyone I'm his girlfriend, so I've following suit. We see each other once a week or so, and talk almost nightly. We just have fun and do things we like to do. Never had an arguement or disagreement. I think it will come with time. You have to be comfortable in every aspect of your relationship. Just let it unfold on it's own. If it's meant to move forward, you'll know.

Paula

I cringe every time Craig calls me his girlfriend so I know what you mean. It is hard to go from being a wife for so long to being just a girlfriend, but that is what it is. I am not ready to be a wife again....but that is what my role was for so long it just "feels" strange. I would trust your instincts that tell you to run the other way. Not that you should run....but that you should not push yourself for more at this point. Just enjoy where you are. The feeling of needing to run from a relationship is your subconscious mind telling you that you do not want to push yourself too fast. It takes so long to adjust to this new life that has been thrust upon us. It gets easier over lots and lots of time...Thank God!

My advice would be similar to what has been said. I was uncomfortable with the boyfriend word but having a boyfriend at 60 is stranger than younger, or so I thought. Be friends. That can last for years or change when the time comes to something more. The first guy I met we never moved past the friendship and companion stage, but it was good for both of us. Now we are both in a relationship with someone else. Sharon

Thank you! There is just so much change. Boundaries and relationships. We are going out tonight. He asked me to spend the night at his house tonight and told me to bring pjs if I decide I want to. I want to. He doesn't expect anything and he's been very up front about that.
It's just so weird how everything changes. I don't want people to think anything but at the same time, I know the truth and don't want to compromise myself. I can be true to myself. Sloooowwww....

There’s no steadfast rule on how much is too much communication and interaction in the beginning, but generally speaking, too many calls, texts and talks may be pushing to enmesh. Enmeshing is emotionally entangling with a partner, losing sight of healthy emotional and physical boundaries. Constant communication may certainly lead to quick physical intimacy, but one can’t rush the time it takes to authentically get to know someone. Skipping over getting to know someone creates a false sense of intimacy, and people often find themselves in full-fledged relationships before they realize they have no idea who they’re partnered with.
A simple yet effective tool here is to go with one’s gut. If a person has a history of over-communicating and their gut is telling them to slow down, the gut is probably right on.

We do communicate a lot. At first, it concerned me, but it was no more than with my friends. Boundaries I was referring to has more to do with my kids and close friends. Grown kids seem to think they have an entitlement to me and they lack consideration. Friends telling me they arent ready for me to date. That's where I need to strengthen my boundaries.
Life is scary when you don't have guidance. I read scripture and it helps but it doesn't say anything about dating over 40. I know we have headed into a relationship. Nobody had to say it.
It's just weird.
Add to that I will be a grandmother in October and again in November.
Really? I'm 41, dating and about to be a grandmother? How did that happen?
(Dating is fun. Grand kids will be fun, too.)

Mel, lol, a grandma at 41- you will be one of the cool, hip grandmas out there.

Yes, I am finding one grown in law thinks she has the right to tell me she and her children are not ready for a man in my life. It's been 4 1/2 years. I have lived every moment of that w/o my spouse. Her husband, my oldest son told me in Dec., "Mom, just don't call us and tell us you got married over the weekend." So I am going to have the 4 over and see what their opinion is on this. If they agree with her I will tell them, "Fine, I will date and marry and then call you. If you accept him great. If not you are choosing to not have a relationship with me. They have NO rights to say such things! Until they walk 5 miles in these shoes they have NO CLUE!!!!!!!
You will enjoy being a grandmother! It's better than being the mom as you have the best of 2 worlds. You spoil, love and have fun with them and then when they are tired they go home! I have been blessed with 7 grandchildren so far!!!

Missmyhero, you hit the nail on the head. I am happy being his girlfriend, not ready for marriage. We have a lot of fun. He is so caring and sweet. I actually feel very lucky. But, not ready for marriage.
Last night, we were sitting outside and saw a shooting star. I had nothing to wish for. I am pretty content with everything I've got.
The thought of becoming a grandmother is nice. I hear so many praises about it. But it scares me that one will be born in Oct and the other in Nov. that's a lot at once! I will start working on what kind of grandma I want to be and worry less about dividing my attention.