My life as a Golden Girl

One of my goals in life is to be a Golden Girl. Growing up, I faithfully watched Blanche, Rose, Sophia and Dorothy every Sunday night and thought to myself how nice it would be to live in Florida with my camp friends when I retire. Research shows that women live longer than men and though I haven’t met my husband yet, I’ve already come to terms that he will probably die before me and what better way to spend the latter part of my life than laughing with friends?

Last Friday night, I had the honor to speak at Temple Sons of Israel in Peabody about lessons I’ve learned through my singles journey. While schmoozing with the congregation during Oneg Shabbat a few older-aged women shared with me their struggles with finding datable men who want the long-term commitment. At first I was shocked by their challenges but I realized regardless of age, most women just want a sense of companionship. While on my way home, I began envisioning my life as a single Golden Girl having the same battles with dating as I’m having right now.

I know that Blanche was not the most pristine woman and Rose had difficulty with dating after her husband passed, but I never thought beyond their laughable antics, to the lonely side without male companionship. I think of the ‘Golden Girl’ stage as a period of carefree, enjoyable times with grandchildren and mahjong, but being a 75 year old woman, searching internet dating sites is not something I want to be doing in my Floridian retirement community.

Older men may want younger women but age doesn’t matter when you’re young at heart. My concerns about who I date are different then a 75 year old woman’s. Whereas I’m looking for someone to start a family with, they’re looking for someone they can enjoy their remaining years with.

My current boyfriend ‘R’ informed me that his great-grandfather lived until he was 112 years old. Perhaps if our relationship progresses and we end up tying the knot, I may not live that charmed single Golden Girl life that Blanche, Rose, Sophia and Dorothy lead but instead grow old with my future husband, which I guess wouldn’t be so bad.