Annie’s Mailbox: Let enchantress down easily

Dear Annie: I am a 75-year-old man living in a retirement community. A woman in her late 80s keeps bugging me with winking eyes, mouthing statements like “I love you,” and persists in staring at me and blinking, presumably flirting. My dining chair faces hers, and this is what I see at every meal. I also run into her in the corridors and on our elevator, and she always wants to touch my arms.

She conducts herself well, and I’m sure she considers herself a prize. She always wears her hair in a topknot surrounded by tiara-like jewelry. I think she needs a companion, but I don’t want it to be me.

I have told this woman I prefer that she not touch me. I don’t appreciate being embarrassed. Some of my friends here think it is hilarious, and they laugh when she is doing her enchantressing. I don’t want to be unkind, but this must stop. – Feeling Stalked in the Midwest

Dear Stalked: We admit that “enchantressing” made us smile. This woman is lonely and perhaps not entirely aware that her actions are so inappropriate. You can ask that your seat be moved in the dining room so that you do not face her at every meal. You can try to avoid using the elevator when she is there. You can enlist the help of a female friend to accompany you often enough that Ms. Enchantress finds you less of an attraction. But please be kind. It is not that difficult to be mildly friendly to this woman, saying hello and smiling when you see her, while maintaining a physical distance. We know she is annoying, but the situation is only embarrassing if you react that way. Try tolerance and humor; it’s better for your health.