When we asked on Facebook whether you could fall for a man 25 years younger (like 64-year-old Brigitte Macron, the wife of the new 39-year-old president of France), we were amazed (and delighted) by the big response. The post received almost 42,000 views, and 250 women weighed in. While many FOFs said “no way,” others weren’t quite so definitive. We love Melanie’s comment!

“I taught my son to love with his heart, and to be open minded. Race, religion, same sex, disability don’t matter. Loving the person you’re with, that’s something to explore. And being happy is a treasure. I’d hope I could think the same way.”
Priscilla Witt

“Guys date/marry much younger women and no one blinks. I say, good for her! Next.”
Barbara Winslow

“No. I was married to someone for over 32 years, together for over 33, who was five years younger, and there were always subtle differences, throughout our years together. In the end, I think it made a difference, to him.  

“I could not fathom being with someone who could be my son. About all you would have in common is sex. And that only goes so far.”
Jan Nielsen (more…)

Some of us have been lucky in love (very lucky); others, not so much. But whether we’ve been there, done that, or swear by the state of matrimony, we’re a resilient bunch of women!

“Came within three days of marrying my high school sweetheart in 1988, but we were very young and I broke it off for very valid reasons. I married someone else five years later. That lasted 17 years. I’ve been divorced since 2011 and recently have reconnected with my high school sweetheart. I am very hopeful that the past will be set right. He is my soulmate.”

Tere Tomlinson (more…)

We asked you how many times you’ve been in love, and you gave us a delightful spectrum of answers (as you always do!) First, we invite you to read this beautiful essay on love by Bob Marley.

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”

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