Finding the right partner

I was 55, single and lonely. No lovely woman to take to dinner, movies, outings or holidays. And I just couldn’t bring myself to put an ad in the personal columns. In any case, after my divorce my self-esteem had taken such a battering, so how would I describe myself?

 “Somewhat overweight, balding middle aged male, good at his job but not much else. Seeks attractive lively woman for cosy intimate evenings?” Oh no.o.o.…

 Well, at least I had my lovely Labrador Jessie for company. Jessie, who is always happy to see me, always smiling, looking up at me adoringly, or at my feet content to watch whatever program I choose. “Not like a wife”, I kept telling myself.

 When I moved to a house close to the water, Jessie and I would go on regular walks, and she loved to have a dip to cool off.  Labradors are very sociable and Jessie would not only go up to other dogs and have a good old sniff, she also liked to say hello to their owners.

 One day she decided to have good sniff of a cute little Maltese terrier. The owner, an attractive woman in a neat pair of cut-off jeans and T shirt stopped and stroked and patted Jessie. “What a gorgeous Labrador”, she cooed, “I just love them. I grew up with Labradors, they were always our family’s favourites. I would have one now but I live in a unit and can’t keep a big dog.” Then she added; “How do you manage, do you have house with a yard?”

 I couldn’t take my eyes off this lady, especially her jeans. Suddenly I felt embarrassed and at a loss for words. It had been such a long time since I had felt so instantly attracted to a woman. I stumbled through the next few minutes of conversation, which revolved around doggy matters and the fact that I had recently moved into a house just minutes from where we were walking.

 Then suddenly, I got the shock of my life when she said; “Oh you’re so lucky to live around here! Why don’t we have a coffee at the marina and then maybe you’ll take me to see your new place.” By then Jessie and Alice’s little dog were firm friends and over a cup of coffee my reticence abated somewhat. Of course, as well as Alice’s gorgeous smile there were those jeans.

 We strolled home to my place, the dogs frolicking all the way. Once home we chatted for hours, shared a bottle of wine, got some take-away and took it all from there.

 I still wonder what a gorgeous woman like Alice saw in this portly, balding, middle aged bloke. I still tell myself that she fell in love with my Labrador not me, but now that she’s moved in, I don’t really mind which of us is her favourite, as long as she never gets rid of those jeans…

 My advice? If you’re lonely, try walking your dog and the cuter your dog, the better your chances!