I’ve always loved that song, but it didn’t happen for me either. Some psychoababblist or other whose books I’ve read claims that EVERY person we are attracted to is the same basic person, which is what he says the ‘forever’ of it is. We might as well stay with the first one we find and work it all out. Too late for me on that, too.

My sister, though, who is a happily active dater promises me that there are wonderful men and wonderful relationships out there just waiting. If that is true, I have never been able to pick up – or send – the appropriate signals. Yesterday I netflixed “He’s just not into you” and came away wondering, is it really as simple as the 3 second stare?

Age 0 – 7 : Parents
Age 7 – 14: School
Age 14 – 21: Peers
Age 21 – 28: Partner
Age 28 – 35: Children
Age 35 – 42: Career
Age 42 – 49: Relationship
Age 49 – 56: Self
Age 56 – 63: Community
Age 63 – 70: God

Physically and biologically I believe that we are indeed, ‘programmed’ to procreate between the ages of approximately 15-45. Therefore, most women, on some level, are open to finding a romantic relationship in that age span. And even if they eventually make the decision not to have children (or if the decision is made by fate for them) buried deep in the recesses of their minds is a biological urge to pair up.

But beyond the age of about 45, at least with women, that changes. There is more focus on the self. If in a relationship, most will now (if they don’t already have it) want a relationship with a solid foundation of companionship. Or, if not in a relationship, most women are content to live on their own and will only willing change that status for a mature love which has companionship as a centerpiece.

And perhaps, if someone had this process interrupted at 33, they might stay in the “romantic” relationship phase and not progress to the “companionship” relationship phase?

I recognize that there’s some real generalizations in what I just wrote (YMMV) – but overall, that’s what I think.