Annie’s Mailbox: Admit your mistake, pursue happiness

Dear Annie: I am a 68-year-old twice-divorced woman who has made some unwise decisions in my life. I’m single (which is fine) and will be retiring at year’s end. I’m currently living with an egotistical, frugal, cold-as-ice 75-year-old man who claims he loves me, yet he dominates every conversation, lacks social skills, ignores etiquette and attempts to control me.

I didn’t know him long enough before I moved to be with him. We met at a dance when he was in town visiting friends. I still couldn’t discern infatuation from love. I wanted a fairy tale. I thought with my heart instead of my head. After a while, dancing four nights a week wears thin when that’s all there is to enjoy together. I haven’t been happy for several years. We’ve made some nice friends, but if I don’t suggest getting together, they never would. My children and siblings live out of state, and I want to move back home. How can I do that and save face with my family and friends? They warned me that I was rushing into things. – Danced Enough

Dear Danced: You’d rather be unhappy than admit you made a mistake? It could be very freeing to say to your friends and family, “You were right. I should have listened.” Then it’s over. Just make sure you don’t repeat the mistake. Take some time to figure out what is best for you, without focusing on the next man in your life.