I like to date women who are around my own age. Mainly because they are more mature. But, I also find women in the 50+ age range much more hostile then younger women.

The other decision factor is how long I expect to live. Most of the people in my family live between 95-100 years old. So, I should be looking at younger women, but I just don't. If there was someone younger and overly mature they would be a consideration.

Most of my guy friends (50+) refuse to date. They just want their peace. So, that does reduce the pool of available men. I was married once, but she died. We had a great marriage, so I am more open to dating.

Elizabeth, If I lived near you I would want to talk with you to see if we were compatible. Hang in there. Someone good will come along.

I've been married once and had a great marriage. Unfortunately she died.

When I was young I didn't care about their past relationships. We were young and not very experienced at relationships.

Now that I am older, knowledge of past relationships is important. I agree with SparklingCrystal that you should not interrogate them. Instead listen to how they described the past relationship. If needed ask a vague question.

Most importantly listen to what they did wrong and what they learned from the relationship. Those are green flag people. People who had multiple long-term relationships, and the other person was 100% wrong in all the relationships is more likely to be problematic. These are red flags.

People who had multiple problematic divorces versus civil divorces can also be considered. But remember that both people have to civil for it to have a good outcome.

Did they initiate a divorce because their spouse developed cancer or dementia and then abandon them. That should deeply concern you.

Why did they get married. Was the main reason because they loved each other. Or, did they have alternative reasons.

There can always be a reasonable answer to a bad marriage. But, sometimes certain things stick out.

Past relationships are often a good indicator as to how a future marriage to a person will go. But, it is not a black and white tool.

Future relationships should have a good procedure for conflicts, finances, etc.

During my lifetime I have always dated women a little younger or a little older. A majority were older. My wife was 4 years older then me. I valued their maturity. I am fortunate enough to be able to date most girls. My wife and I were together for 35 years and has a great marriage.

Due to a genetic disorder, she died. My family pointed out that our family usually live to 95-100 years old. And, most girls in our country live to slightly over 80. And, maybe I should find a younger girl. I really didn't like this idea, but watching my wife slowly die was beyond horrific. Death of a great spouse changes you forever. Death of a spouse is an unfinished relationship that can never be finished. Hard to accept that reality.

Today I still want to date girls my own age, but I am willing to accept girls up to 20 years younger. Ideally, I would want to be married to someone who would die around the same time as me.

My recommendation to others is to find a great spouse that is expected to live as long as you do. But, everyone needs to make the decision for themselves. It is a personal decision only you can make for yourself.

Really depends on the excuse. Sometimes I give them the benefit of the doubt when their excuse is plausible. Then on the first date I tell them that I will never lie to them, and I expect the same of them. If they are uncomfortable with that statement, then that is the last date.

I also try to do a background check on them prior to the first date. Sometimes that they do the same to me. My wife died last year, and her name is still on the title to my house. I also took over her phone (it was new). When they ask question about her name, I just show them a picture of her grave stone.

I once had an ex-gf who used to trash me to girls I was starting to date. Eventually I had to move to another city 50 miles away.

I always give them a chance to explain what I find. If they can't, then it is over.

I usually see more women from March to May. They are looking for someone to spend time in the summer months. I also see more around the beginning of January with hopes of having a bf for valentines day.

There are two types of personality typing methods commonly used:

1. MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Most common, and used by many psychologist. Does not work well for dating in my opinion.

2. Enneagram. Created by Don Riso and Russ Hudson. They wrote an extensive book on it which was first published in 1996. It was 514 pages long (orange cover). Enneagram is based upon behavior and attitudes, which are VERY predictable for each personality.

For dating I use Enneagram exclusively. I first learned it 28 years ago. If matched correctly, you will have great "chemistry" 99% of the time. It is extremely accurate for finding the correct person.

The Enneagram has 9 core personality types. They are numbered: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in a circle. Each personality core type can have two personality wing of each adjacent personality. This will give you 18 distinct personality types. Each distinct personality type has 9 levels of health (how driven they are by their personality type). Each personality type also has a disintegration type (when they are upset) and a integration type (when they are happy).

To have chemistry with someone, you can date adjacent personality types along with disintegration and integration types. Most of the time there is 1 of the 18 types that you will always want to date because they are the most compatible with you.

My personality is a 2 with a 1 wing.
My disintegration type is an 8
My integration type is a 4

So, I am compatible:
3 with a 2 wing
1 with a 2 wing
1 with a 9 wing
4 with a 3 wing
4 with a 5 wing
8 with a 7 wing
8 with a 9 wing

But, 90% of my great relationships are with a 1 with a 9 wing. So, this is the personality type I always look for. If they don't have this personality type, I kick them to the curb quickly and move on looking. Other personality types that I am compatible with often cause too many problems that I cannot deal with.

I should also note that just because you select the best personality type does not mean that you will not have relationship problems. Marriage takes work and maintenance.

So, you should get his book, or take an Enneagram test to determine what your type is. Then examine the types you are compatible with to determine which one works best for you based upon past relationships. Then look for that particular type. Once you know this, add a description of personality traits of this type to your profile. Then you will attract the right people.

Oddly enough, women are pretty good at knowing who they have "chemistry" with pretty quickly, where men are absolutely clueless. This is why men are often shot down by countless women. A demoralizing process that comes from the cave man time period. Women should do the asking.

This should get you started. If you have questions, ask. Hard to cover 514 pages in a couple paragraphs.

BTW - Many people in the healthcare industry are type 2's. But, your picture makes me think you might be a 1 with a 9 (wild guess from your picture). 1 with 9's are often animal lovers. But, 2' like them too.