Welcome to the first installment of TB Reporter‘s new feature, “Ask Sassy, Advice You Can Take or Leave.” It’s an advice column written by the Sassy Sandpiper. Want to hear what Sassy thinks? Send her an email to m.r.wilson@tbreporter.com. (And, no, in this one case, we don’t have to use your real name. That is, unless you say it’s okay.) BTW, the advice given does not necessarily reflect the views of TB Reporter.

By M.R. Wilson, TB Reporter

Man vs. rabbit food

Dear Sassy:

My man friend calls my salads “rabbit food.” I’m on a new plan to get rid of diabetes and doing darned good, according to my doctor. “Arthur” swears by Hungry Man frozen dinners. We’re planning to spend six months of the year at his place in Canada, and six months here in Arizona. He’s coming to visit in November. His favorite foods might be a problem. Any advice? —Meg, Phoenix

Dear Meg:

“Arthur” needs an education in nutrition, and fast. Don’t let anyone sabotage your efforts! This will only be a problem if “Hungry Man” expects you to cook for him. Let him buy his own groceries and introduce him to your microwave oven.

Keep waiting for Mr. Right

Dear Sassy:

I’ve been talking to a man I met on Facebook in February. It started when he sent me a note and told me I have a pretty smile. He is so nice! I think it’s starting to be something serious.

He lives in Tallahassee and wants to come visit me some day. I want to meet him in person, too. He says age doesn’t matter. What’s in someone’s heart is what is important. I’m 82 and he is 54. We think we could figure out how to make this relationship work.

I’m so tired of being lonely! No one else knows how hard it is. My sons think it is a mistake. I don’t know what to do. —Madame X, St. Petersburg

Dear Madame X:

Your situation is making me see caution lights everywhere. This man could be as nice as he seems, or he could be a predator looking to take serious advantage of a sweet, elderly lady like yourself. You need to learn a lot more about him and try to figure out if his motives are sincere.

Honestly, I doubt it. The age difference alone is very suspicious.

Take a look at his other Friends on Facebook. Are family members included? Where does he work? Ask him lots of specific questions, then ask some more!

If you decide to let him “visit,” make the first meeting at a public place, like at a restaurant for coffee. Do NOT invite him into your home on your first “date.”

Talk to your friends about this, and to your sons, too.

I suggest that you tell Mr. Nice that it probably would best to be online friends only, and not consider yourselves potential life partners.

Sassy Sandpiper | Ask Sassy | M.R.Wilson | Advice Column | Tampa Bay Reporter

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