In the eight years since Rick’s been gone, I’ve tried dating and managed to find three men who were potential partners. Yet, here I sit alone again, mulling over what went wrong with each budding relationship. One moved out of town for work. One returned to his ex-wife. The third is an on-again, off-again relationship that has gone on for nearly five years.
This man I’ve been seeing is understanding about me being a widow and isn’t jealous of my memories of Rick. In fact, he has pointed out on more than one occasion that I mention how like Rick he is in many respects – both super intelligent, liberal, creative, and with similar taste in music. But I just don’t feel like he’s my “forever man,” and I keep shying away from making any kind of commitment.
A friend said I’m too picky. She said, “You’ll never find another Rick.” She’s right.