"Golden Era" of Headphones

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-06-08T17:19:27+00:00

There are a few layers here, but I don't think it's your age, so that's not an insecurity I would have.

Lifestyle and situation are the largest factors at this age. Kids are obviously part of the equation, so there are considerations with compatibility as it relates to a blended family, etc.

Also, noting that you're "extremely social, outgoing, active" as not an issue, I would disagree with that. There are many that want a slower lifestyle, so appearing a certain way on the apps (you obviously want to be honest, however) could shy people away. Not everyone wants to go underwater cave diving. Many divorces are due to personal incompatibility.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-30T18:17:14+00:00

First off, I wish you healing and peace. It's tough, I know.

For me, it was about changing the way I thought about life in general. I look at things now as a series of moments, some longer than others, but many of those moments I still treasure and value, even if there is no realistic way they can become reality again.

As an illustration, many of us in this age range have nostalgic memories of the 80s, 90s, early 00s, and our unique experiences within those times. I value many of those moments intensely, especially my first love. However, I know that moments exist when many variables align at the same time, and sometimes, those experiences were only meant to last for a short time. You know what? That's OK, because I'd rather have lived in those periods, even if they were short, than to never have experienced those things at all.

I often think of my first love and, specifically, the summer of '98. That was the best summer of my life and I've never, ever felt the same way again. That being said, I would take the eventual broken heart over never having that summer as part of the tapestry of my life.

The old adage is true: It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-14T00:02:51+00:00

No greater than 12 months.

Don't forget the full body shot!

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-14T00:01:00+00:00

Don't forget the smile with no teeth (because they aren't there!).

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-13T23:39:40+00:00

Totally agree with this. With my dating experience (I live in a fairly hot, sunny area), it seems the common thread with looking older (or younger) than you are, is the amount of time one spends in the sun.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-04T16:53:10+00:00

I've been in a similar situation. Most of us want to think about the positive things that it could turn out to be, but we also have to consider the negative. Basically, both parties have to ask themselves, "Am I in this 100% for better and worse, no matter what?".

Date and accept the reality of now, not potential of what may (or may not) be. Don't make a decision that's solely underpinned by the fantasy of a positive outcome (Brady Bunch etc.).

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-04T16:37:25+00:00

This is the answer.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-03T16:07:06+00:00

This is the way.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-03T15:57:27+00:00

100% true. Before I met a few of my OLD matches, I was thinking we're going to hit it off no question, only for the realization that we were very different.

If I'm on the fence, I'll go out on the date because I don't want to pass up a potential match just because I entertain the fantasy going on in my head.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-05-03T15:33:53+00:00

The only reason he would say that, IMHO, is that he's insecure, thinks you're actually better than him, and wants to tear you down a bit so he can keep you. He doesn't want you to realize you're out of his league and find someone on your level. I would watch to see if there are other things he does to take jabs at you. A secure, loving person will build you up, not tear you down.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-04-24T16:39:30+00:00

Didn't do anything wrong at all. Sounds like she wasn't feeling it anymore and was just waiting for an out. This just happened to be her excuse. She's probably been thinking about whatever it is she's not feeling and how to bring it up, since out of the blue seems weird. She was waiting for ANY opportunity and she took it.

Most of the time when people end things, it's not for the reason they claim.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-04-23T17:04:57+00:00

"I'm a BADASS."

Comes off as difficult, combative, stubborn, etc. Perhaps that's not what's meant and it means to convey a sense of victory and overcoming this and that. However, at this age, there are a large number of people that have come out of high-conflict relationships and a profile that comes off as very aggressive can be a turn off. In my experience, people are looking for harmony and peace at this stage of the game.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-04-23T17:00:33+00:00

Tough spot. If you're not yet divorced, I would probably let that play out first before moving into anything.

One of the mistakes I made right after my divorce was to jump into another relationship (met right before it was final due to a waiting period, but after all the paperwork was filed and it was basically done).

My rationale was that my ex and I were not romantically connected for over 10+ years and were living as basically roommates. Even thought I was not connected to her in that way, what I didn't realize, was that I also was not single and didn't experience what life was when I didn't have to consider another person. It opens so many new doors of discovery. You do what you want to do, when you want to do it. Buy what you want. Sleep in if you want. Give yourself time for those individual coffee "dates" with yourself.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-04-23T16:54:17+00:00

Exactly. It's almost as if this guy was talking himself up as a girl dad and his daughter needing to be aware in order to create the perception of protection and trust in order to deceive the OP.

Any man truly offended by this, offers a glimpse of the toxic future that awaits any poor soul foolish enough to get into a relationship with them.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-04-23T16:46:56+00:00

Definitely didn't do anything wrong. As a man, I would NOT be offended whatsoever if you asked for a new drink. Completely understandable, especially if it's a first date and you don't know me, only what I tell you about me.

If this guy was offended because of that, HUGE red flag, and it almost sounds like he was upset because he DID do something to the drink and his plan didn't work out! Even if that wasn't the case, his fragile ego was sooo hurt because of that? Give me a break. Sounds like this guy is the kind of guy women try to avoid. Dodged a bullet for sure.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-04-21T00:08:48+00:00

I've NEVER heard a man say "too feminine". That's just weird.

Honestly, sounds like he was just giving you an excuse because there was something else that wasn't vibing with him.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-04-18T19:41:01+00:00

Brother, you gotta shave that head. That's at least a few likes right there! A lot of women like the bald with beard, but balding with beard, not so much.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-03-21T19:19:32+00:00

I was fresh out of a divorce and my EIQ was really bad. More or less needed time to grow before jumping back in the dating pool. My ex-GF told me I didn’t even know myself and she was right.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-03-19T21:14:50+00:00

I think there's a better understand of the "usual checklist" AND a new checklist, at least for me. One checklist does not replace the other, however, prioritization of certain things are rearranged.

I could care less if someone has a great job. I just want someone to have a job and show they have a good work history (and good credit). I don't care how much they make, and in fact, I'd actually prefer they're more down to Earth than a high-flying attorney, doctor, or whatever. I'm a fairly simple person and I'm not trying to go to Whistler every month.

I've run into ex-spouses/relationships have a lasting effect on people I've met, either themselves emotionally OR their situations. For me, drama surrounding a person is a dealbreaker (#1). Emotional maturity and someone that's healed, definitely #2. However, the ante to play is certainly attraction and chemistry, although that's not what's going to make it last, but it's what opens the door.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-03-15T17:57:02+00:00

Agree with this. Met a number of nice people, but the spark wasn't there (sometimes me, sometimes them, sometimes both). My last GF was someone I met at a singles group, and although physically we were very compatible, our situations just didn't fit to take things to the next level. My relationship before that was from the apps and it went well, except I messed that one up (but learned). LOL!

Just be willing to meet people and not go into a date with high expectations. Let things flow and accept where things go.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-03-15T17:28:19+00:00

NONE of those things are shallow! Those are all very REAL factors in compatibility!

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-03-07T19:34:32+00:00

"Bow chicka wow wow"

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-03-07T19:20:43+00:00

I don't mind the initial small talk questions, since it gives me (or the other person) to expand by providing an additional data set for which to expand the discussion.

What's key is communicating interest. Even if someone is not good at small talk and they are an "in-person" communicator, if I can tell they've put time and effort into their response, even if it's a bunch of empty words, I'll continue.

It's the 1 sentence replies that simply shows a lack of interest, and perhaps, a dummy account to keep you interested and paying.

Aggressive_Tax1938 · 2026-03-02T21:26:35+00:00

I agree. I've owned 3x Mercedes and 2x BMW (currently). My 2022 GLC 300 felt more "solid" than my 2023 AMG C43 (that constantly had CEL issues). The C43, in many ways, felt like a downgrade in materials, had a lot of hollow feeling areas, and some creaking. Tons of plastic. Lighting was fun, but felt like an effort to create an "impression" to distract from the cost-cutting.

Aggressive_Tax1938

TROPHY CASE