Dating as a Mature Gay Man

 Dating as a mature gay man (over 60) is a crapshoot at best. There are so many “dating” apps out there, but let’s be realistic - they are more for hooking up and one-night stands than for finding a meaningful relationship. I’m not opposed to a little fun along the way, but more often than not, those types of encounters leave me feeling empty and a little bit sad. 

I met a guy on one of the apps a few months ago. Our circles had intersected over the years,  it this was the first time we’d ever met. I didn’t detect any real interest, so I thought “that’s okay, at least I have a new friend.”  

Today, I decided to take a bold step and messaged him that I thought we should go out on a date. 

Crickets. 

I’m trying to not let it get me down, but I have to be honest - this hurts. 

UTI WTF?!?

 I’ve lived almost six and a half decades, and for the first time (at least that I’m aware of), I have a UTI. And let me tell you … it’s not fun. I feel so much empathy for those who suffer from them regularly. The pain is something I’d never thought I would have to experience, and hope to never again! 

If anyone out there has tips to help keep this happening again, please chime in!

Pope Francis

 Although, as they say, I don’t have a horse in this race (I’m not Roman Catholic), I am very saddened to hear of the death of Pope Francis. He was an extraordinary man leading a religion in very troubling times. He leaned towards being progressive, which I know irritated a lot of the more traditional Roman Catholics around the world. However, it gives me hope that the Roman Catholic Church is learning to become more compassionate and inclusive. My hope is that the Roman Catholic Church will continue the progressive legacy that Pope Francis has left. Rest in peace, gentle man. You will be greatly missed.

Photo Copyright ©️ 2025 by Vanity Fair

Life Update

 It’s been a hot minute (or seventeen) since I’ve written. I’m trying to change that and make more of an effort to write at least once a week. No promises, mind you. 

I’m still enjoying my part-time job with a local suburb’s visitor center. Honestly, it’s like working in a Hallmark movie. Plus it gets me out of the house at least twice a week AND gives me some mad spending money (I just shelled out all I’ve made this year for even MORE repairs on my sunroom - more about that in a future blog). The folks I meet are nice, and it turns out I don’t hate people nearly as much as I thought I did.

So, there’s this guy. 😍 We’ve known each other for 22-ish years, but lost track of each other, and reconnected recently. He will probably see this, but he also knows how I feel about him. I don’t want to push, as that’s not something either of us needs (past relationship trauma for us both). No matter what happens, I’m glad to have my friend back in my life. Love you, CJ!

I’ve started working on my novel again. And boy, the creative juices are flowing baby! Not going to jinx it, but I already have a publisher interested. My hope is to create a universe in which I can continue to write books for years (sort of like my fave author at the moment, Nazri Noor; I’ll link his Amazon page below). 

That’s all for now, gentle readers. 

Nazri Noor’s Amazon Page

I Will Put Up With a Lot …

 … but I absolutely will not tolerate being spoken to in a disrespectful manner. I wouldn’t allow that from someone I don’t like or respect, let alone someone I considered to be family. It hurts to say this, but consider yourself cut out of my life. 

Dating While Over 50, revisited

 He reached out, and we have a date for New Year’s Eve. Yeah, I realize that’s probably not the best first date option (up there with Valentine’s Day), but I’m excited nevertheless. 

Dating While Over 50

 Recently, someone expressed interest in me. I was caught totally off guard, as this guy is 30 years my junior. We talked about seeing each other in a dating situation. However since then, he’s been pretty much radio silent. I don’t know if I misread the signals or if he’s simply changed his mind. Either way, I really do wish he’d reach out and let me know  

And this brings up something that I think men of my age and dating experience (practically nil) deal with. I don’t like bars or clubs, I’ve tried the apps and found them horribly depressing, and honestly I’m an extroverted introvert (I do well in groups of people I know, but turn into a wallflower in groups of people I’m not familiar with). Don’t get it twisted - I’m happy with my life and where I am, but sometimes it would be nice to have someone to cuddle up to on the sofa and watch movies with. It seems to me I can’t be the only gay guy over 50 (okay, over 60) who is in this situation.