by Andrew Ismail in Dating

At 54, after a long string of fulfilling relationships, I experienced a sudden dating drought. Then, unexpectedly, I reconnected with a college classmate. We hit it off, spending intense time together despite living in different cities. He was ambitious, compassionate, but also arrogant and hard to truly know. Things moved fast, and he professed his love quickly. Three months in, he ghosted me. I initially considered it simply that he didn't like me, but also wondered if bad timing played a role. Ultimately, I chose kindness and vulnerability, sending a final text expressing concern. His response was cold and distant. While initially humiliated, I now view the experience as a humorous anecdote, focusing on the empowerment of kindness and the anticipation of future relationships. I learned that even in rejection, there is power in vulnerability and compassion.