heart-logo_web.pngDear Dr. Monique,
How does one tell whether a woman is just being friendly or is maybe interested in you in a romantic way? Sometimes, with very charming, naturally seductive ladies, it’s hard to tell!
Is she really interested?

Dear Is she really interested?,
Sometimes only time will tell.  If you want to get to know this particular woman better by all means, ask her out and allow her actions to speak for themselves.  If you discover that she is not interested you may at least get some enjoyable dates and if she is, the dates could lead to so much more.

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Dear Dr. Monique,
What would you do if someone you’re interested in and have dated a couple of times suddenly posted “inappropriate” Facebook photos – say of her in an intimate dance session with another man? Is she sending you a message? Or does it just means that she’s still ‘juggling’ or searching for Mr. Wright. Would you gradually back off to avoid what is potentially a complicated relationship? Assuming you haven’t dated her enough to become “exclusive” I guess she would be free to do whatever. After all, no commitment on either side has been made. The alternative is to “wait and see”… even with the “discomfort” created by the photos.
‘Discomfort’ with photos

Dear ‘Discomfort’ with photos,
Since you are already dating this woman I trust that you are on comfortable speaking terms with her.  I suggest you get out of the guessing game and ask her directly about the photo she posted.   Your action may reinforce to her that you are indeed interested and it might signal a stronger expression of interest that she may have wanted to hear from you or, conversely, it may create an opening for her to back out if she is no longer interested.  Either way, her input could certainly increase your ability to draw the correct
conclusions and therefore make the right decision regarding your future dating relationship.

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Dear Dr. Monique,
What sort of age difference between a man and woman would you consider inappropriate or inadvisable? How would you consider a man in his late 40s dating a woman in her late 20s? Is it too much of a generation gap or does it depend on the maturity of the younger person?
Is she too young?

Dear Is she too young?,
There might be age differences that I would instinctively question more than others but I don’t consider this 20-year age difference inappropriate.  Two unique individuals come together for a relationship and invariably there will be some differences that will cause more conflict than others, but age does not have to be one of them. By all means, take the time to get to know this young lady better and that will enhance your ability to answer the two important issues that you raised. However, don’t let your age difference prevent you from pursuing a potentially meaningful relationship.

Dr. Monique is an award-winning graduate of Harvard Medical School, who completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington D.C. She has years of experience in counseling and discussing relationship issues. Ask her your questions at drmonique@sfltimes.com