Set In Our Ways

I always remember that people (especially women) would refer to old bachelors as “set in their ways” meaning “don’t even think about their marriage eligibility” but in recent years I haven’t heard this expression much. However, in the past couple of weeks this expression has been resurrected. That set me to thinking, “Am I set in my ways?”.

I have come to the conclusion that I probably have certain habits that I won’t change but I can also be flexible. I did a little research and found an article by the “Dating Goddess” (whoever she is) which discusses this topic as regards midlife daters. I think I might fall into this category, sort of.

"It might be an unwillingness to try a new cuisine, refusal to travel abroad, or opposition to watching a different movie genre. It could be habits that won’t budge: not allowing anyone else to sit in his TV-room chair, rejecting invitations to go out on favorite TV nights, or not wanting to try any new activities.

"Some midlife daters seem to want to date only on their own terms: with a specific type of person, on only certain nights per week, for only so many hours, doing activities with which he is already comfortable. The concept of dating really means having a companion when he wants her to accompany him on what he wants to do and when he wants to do it. (Although I am using the male pronoun, we all know women who fit this description.)"

Using this as a guide, I have to say that I really don’t object to giving up my favorite place on the couch and I certainly can say that, in recent months, I have changed my social habits completely around. Last year, I was loathe to miss even one minute of a Met game but now I miss them on a regular basis because I have discovered better things to do.

I still like to try new things and learn and think and have my opinions challenged. I want to keep growing as a person. However, at this stage of my life, there are certain things I have tried and do not care for (sushi, yuck) but at least I tried them once. But I’m surely not ready for the rocking chair on the porch.