If or when the mood strikes you to start dating, Papa was thinking of giving advice. Of course, I’d be flippant. For example: “Good Luck.” My memory is that at an early age dating can be a minefield. It started out well for me and then circumstances created bumps in the road until all smoothed out in the end. So, “Good Luck” was my first instinct. Beyond that, and with an “every man for himself” caution, here are a few items to ponder.

  1. Smile.
  2. Look for a smile in others.
  3. Be light-hearted and fun to be with.
  4. Activate your inner radar that seeks out character in others.
  5. Be courteous, respectful and honest.

Dating/Courting is undoubtedly different than from my youth. There really is not too much advice to give. It’s part of the flying solo time of life. Don’t be a John Alden, he of Duxbury fame. Speak for yourself. (On the other hand, perhaps Papa would not have hit bumps in the road if he had used ChatGPT.)