My Dating Ideas

Ask adult children if they would like their widowed or divorced parent to find a new partner, and most would say, "Of course. I'd love Mom (or Dad) to be happy."

Don't be too quick to believe them. Children are protective of their parents, no matter their or your age. They tend to think no one is good enough for mom or dad, no one's motives are pure, and every new person you bring around is either a gold digger, a spendthrift or someone who will tear you away. Things get even touchier when you put sex into the equation: It's hard enough for kids to think about their parents in bed together, much less you and someone else.