Dear Donna,

I am dating a man who is 55 and never been married. I am enjoying our relationship and starting to think there might be long-term potential, but I am concerned that he might have commitment issues.

He says he never has had a relationship with anyone he wanted to marry but he can see himself married to the right lady. Is it unusual for someone to be his age and never married? – Renee

Dear Renee,

I work with people in all age ranges who never have married. What matters most is their relationship history. When was his last serious relationship? How long did it last? Who chose to end it? Start with the last relationship and go backward until he has included all of his significant relationships. This will give you a good indication of his level of commitment. Keep enjoying the relationship and focus on his level of commitment to you.

Dear Donna,

I am recently divorced and dating for the first time in 40 years. I am a traditional Christian man and I expect to pay for a lady when I take her out for lunch or dinner. However, three months ago I started dating a lady that I take to lunch or dinner three or four times a week and she has yet to offer to reciprocate in some fashion. Money is not an issue for either of us, but I guess it is the thought that counts.

My daughter said most women would have offered to pay for a meal or two by now. Do you agree? – Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

If you are dating a traditional Christian lady, they often presume the gentleman will pay. If money is not an issue and you enjoy her company, keep paying. Your daughter is correct that most women probably would have offered to buy or cook a meal by now, but as long as you do not feel like you are being used or unappreciated maybe it will pay off in the long run.

–

Donna Shugrue owns Perfectly Matched.

Her column runs biweekly in Family. Visit

perfectlymatcheddating.com or email questions to donnashugrue@comcast.net.