L.A. Affairs

Each time I called her, the conversation flowed, but she was always too tired to go out. Maybe I needed to take the hint?

At first I felt really strong and empowered, like I was taking my power back and protecting my heart. As the days went on, though, and he didn’t follow up to see why I’d gone silent, I just felt sad and empty. Truth is, I hate the power struggle that so often comes with online dating.

I dread dating for this reason: I’ll do anything I can to “act normal” — even getting high before a date — and yet the most normal version of me is miles away. How am I supposed to be in a relationship if I can’t even be myself?

After months of widowhood — after consoling family and friends had scattered back to their own lives — I decided to give “it” a try. What is “it”? Online dating.

I believed him when he said it was because he loved me. His words echoed antiquated messages I had absorbed since childhood: that boys are mean to you because they like you; that love is supposed to hurt.

When the M-word came up, he became very quiet. And even in the dark, I could see a somber look on his face. I just knew he was going to tell me it was over. I waited for the “I don’t think this is going to work” line.

When we broke up, I told him, “I set you free.” When he called back six weeks later, saying he might have made a mistake, I proceeded with caution. Then I fell head over heels for his new dog.

I was divorced, my daughter was off at college, and I came home to an empty house every night. Was I destined to be alone?

What were the odds of two Jewish kids who were both born on Christmas Day meeting up at a Hanukkah singles’ party on Dec. 26th?

Moving to L.A. was a chance to begin dating anew. No one seemed quite right. Well, there was this one woman I liked spending time with, but she’d firmly said she didn’t like to hike, and that’s something I love...

I told my dates upfront: I’m in it for the fun, not the long-term.

Instagram was right: Keeping a relationship a secret can sometimes be just what that relationship needs.