Looking for a good man

Dear Pastor,

This is my first time writing to you. I have been listening to your programme on the radio since I was 15 years old.

I buy the newspaper just to read your column. I would like to have someone in my life. My husband died five years ago, leaving me with my two sons.

I am looking for someone in their 60s, a big man from a country such as Canada, the US, England, or Jamaica.

I want someone to share my love with and to spend time with. I want someone to respect me and not tear me down.

I am 53 years old, but I am very young in every way.

I am looking for your reply in THE STAR. Many thanks, and keep up the good work.

C.K.

Dear C.K.,

I regret hearing that you have lost your husband. But you appear to be a very happy woman, and I thank God for that.

I get many letters from persons in your age group seeking partners. Many do not speak the truth, and many are very cagey about their past. In plain English, they lie.

Some have criminal records and fail to disclose what these are. For example, when a man tells me that he is in his 60s and he can't find a woman and he expects me to believe that, he has disqualified himself.

I won't try to offer him help at all. It is always better for a man to speak the truth because one cannot do anything about his past, but if he is determined to make a new start and is willing to speak the truth, he may just succeed.

I am publishing your letter because I believe what you have said, and I hope that you will use wisdom as you correspond with those who show interest.

I don't want anybody calling my office and asking for your name and your number, but I will gladly pass on the names and addresses of those who would like to get in touch with you.

I will not respond to any information from men by phone.

I wish you well in your search.

Pastor