Debbie,
I've thought a lot about your post to shygirl, even rereading it a couple of times. I do this because I reflect on my own behavior frequently in the arena of dating, and though I don't consider myself "easy,"....in a sense I WAS!! though "naive" is probably a more accurate term.
I'm older than Shygirl, since I'll soon turn 57 and divorced 11+ years. In that time, I've heard the "we aren't spring chickens anymore, and should get on with enjoying ourselves" line I can't tell you how often!
In my past now going on 4 years of solitude and not dating, I've recounted my mistakes with some abhorrance. I realize, for instance, that I am not one of those women who has been showered with gifts and diamond rings, and wonder what the difference is in those women and me???
I know women who are like this, wearing their diamonds and talking proudly of their husbands and families, but, in truth, I have little in common with these women and quite honestly, don't even like them much!
The lesson learned from my experiences, is that I've been too generous, too giving, too willing to please, without looking after myself first! I am literally one of those people who would give the shirt off my back to someone in need.
Realizing this about myself is why I've abstained from dating and meeting anyone. I don't think it is good to label someone "easy" because of this kind of nature, and I think Shygirl is much like me in this respect.
Love,
Patty