Recently the Universe handed me an unexpected opportunity. About two weeks ago, a New York TV producer began emailing and phoning me to be on a new talk show: "Dr. Keith Abrow". I asked what the topic was and how they found me.
The topic: older women dating much younger men.
Well over one year ago, I'd checked out a new dating site called "May/December". I didn't join it but my email information must've been stored because it linked Dr. Keith's folks to me.
I can only hope this subject is done tastefully - I sure plan to be cautious. The producers explained that men have always dated younger women, but that it's not as common the other way around. No kidding!
Then, they discovered the Dancing Grandma web site and went crazy over the idea of having me come to New York. Perhaps it's the whole "re-inventing oneself" thing. More than likely, however, it was probably due to making the mistake of informing them that I've dated a 24-year old. They begged him to appear with me but - thankfully - he didn't choose to do so.
As a result of several telephone dialogues with me and my daughter, they've bent over backwards to entice us to do the show. Originally, they wanted one of my adult kids to appear and hopefully voice some discomfort with their mom dating men younger than themselves. When it became obvious that I wasn't going to tote along a 24 or 39 or 43-year old guy, they went back to the drafting board.
Tomorrow before dawn, I'm flying to the Big Apple. Wednesday afternoon, my daughter, Mary, and her three daughters are being flown to join me. Apparently, my 13-year old granddaughter was heard to say that she "wants to be just like" her grandma someday. Now Dr. Keith wants her on the show, too. The two little girls ways are being paid because Mary couldn't find childcare.
They have, of course, asked me to dance. Not that this has anything to do with dating younger men. They just want to take advantage of all my gifts :) I told them I will, but only if their staff dances along WITH me!
About dating younger men.....there are very, very few men near my own age who are even available, not to mention who possess a fraction of the energy I do. I've learned that even these few almost always date women 15-20 years younger than themselves. I never set out to tip the double standard on its head, but that is what has evolved nonetheless.
My energy, fitness, interests and - unfortunately - probably my emotional development all fit much more closely with folks 20 years my junior. I've accepted this reality with no problem. It also helps that I'm not particularly ready or open to anything approaching "long term commitment"!
If asked to be blunt, I will admit that "I do it because I CAN". I think it's very human in middle age to experience ourselves as AGELESS, no matter how wrinkled or arthritic or pudgy we may have become.
I did something about this dilemma at age 60 and I'm having the time of my life. It no longer surprises me when much younger women hug me while saying, "I want to be JUST like YOU!!" because there aren't enough models of aging outrageously in our culture.
This show won't be aired for about one month. Dr. Keith's national show is on FOX 9 every week day morning at 11:00. My thought is that if this ends up not going well, I just won't tell anyone when it's going to be shown :)
In the meantime, all five of us are being treated, all expenses paid, to four days of pure excitement. This time, I promise to "keep you posted", too!
THANK YOU for sharing htis information, and there should be nothing to be embarrassed about! I
am so glad you are following the wise woman within, and not afraid - or willing to take the
chances- to really experience what life has to offer- and here you are sharing it with others!!
This is tremendously exciting, and I have a feeling you may touch more women than you could
imagine with this appearance and your willingness to share. Above all else, you shared some
great time with some of your family!! Can't wait to see the airing!
HUGS. marilyn G.
Posted by: Marilyn Gehrman | October 14, 2006 at 01:28 PM