Article posted Thursday, August 11, 2011 2:44pm

Dear Mary Pat,

I had been getting to know a man for the past several weeks. We met for coffee a couple of times, emailed back and forth and were just generally not rushing into anything. I really wasn’t sure what I thought about him. He was always very polite, if not a little dull, but he seemed to be a good man and I wanted to give him a chance. Then he called and asked if he could stop by, and I of course said that he could. He told me that he had been seeing another woman and that it had become serious. I told him that I was very happy for him, and I genuinely am. The conversation took away the doubt that I was feeling about us being right for each other. I thought it was very gentlemanly to tell me in person and was very impressed by him being straight forward, until he said, “I’m really glad you at least have your dog for companionship.” Now, I’ve been alive for over 6 decades now, and this was a new one for me. At least you have your dog???? How insulting! I honestly didn’t know what to say. I gotta ask you Mary

Pat, who’s the real dog here?

Signed,

No Fleas on Me

Fish Creek, WI

Dear No Fleas on Me,

Honestly, people should really try thinking before speaking. I know that he meant that to be kind, but that wasn’t the outcome, was it? I think that was his conscience speaking. He felt bad for having to end things since he couldn’t see both of you (at least we’ll give him points for that) and wanted to give you a consolation prize…your dog. I’m sure even your dog rolled his/her eyes at that one.

When you think about it, there are really only two outcomes when you start to see somebody – you will either break-up at some point or be with each other until one of you is no longer breathing. With those kinds of odds, not every beginning is going to end up with a happily ever after. That is not cause for despair though, you just have to wait until the right one comes along. I’m sure you’ll do fine since your instincts with this guy were correct. You didn’t think he was right for you. He obviously agreed, but he just bungled it at the end. You also have to give him credit for not entirely blowing you off by email, Facebook or complete silence.

Good luck,

Mary Pat