By Alma Gill
NNPA Columnist
Asking Someone Out
Dear Alma,
I am a divorced man in my early fifties. I have been debating asking out a wonderful woman who works at the gym where I work out. I think she’s in her early twenties, but we have a great fun when we’re together. Usually it’s with others working out or at the juice bar, but I think we really connect. Do you have any suggestions on how I can ask her?
Stan
Seattle, Wash.
Hi Stan,
How about, “Hey, I was wondering if we could get together and have dinner one night, just the two of us.” Be casual, authentic and kind. She’ll let you know if she’s interested. If she is, good for you. If not, I can relate. When I was 20 something, I thought 50 was old, LOL. I gotta say it, but hey, she’s not me. No need to feel rejected or unappealing if the feeling isn’t mutual. Keep looking, someone else will catch your eye soon enough (watch out, here comes some shade) and hopefully she’s be at least 30.
Alma
Misunderstood Boyfriend
Dear Alma,
My boyfriend is easily agitated, but underneath it all sweet man. My family does not like him but they really don’t understand him the way I do. He has a temper but has never hit me. He won’t come around my family and attend parties or holiday dinners. My sisters say he’s a creep and that’s why he doesn’t want to be around our family. I don’t want to give up my family, but I love him. How can I get my sisters to understand?
Brandy
Waldorf, Md.
Umhm Brandy, you know him better than he knows himself….. Please Chili Pepper, I’ve heard that before. If one person tells you something, don’t take it to heart. If your whole family and sister-friends are trying to get your attention, you may wanna listen. Obviously, they clearly see a problem, while you insist on using your third blind eye. An ill-tempered man who can’t get along with your family is a poor choice for a boyfriend, husband, Boo or side-piece. I’m shouting out loud so you can hear me – “his disposition won’t change over the years, it’ll only get worse.” Snap out of it! If you need to feel needed, volunteer. There’s a really great guy out there looking to meet you, but you’re blocking your blessing.
Alma
Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
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