Dear Ann Landers: In Los Angeles newspapers, there are hundreds of 900 number voice personal ads from women seeking suitable men. I have responded to dozens of these ads.
My monthly bill for 900 numbers runs approximately $50. I am 58, educated, in good health and fairly well off financially. I respond to ads by women who are 50 to 60 years of age, provided they are not the gold-digging type who specify that they want someone who is “financially secure” or who “enjoys fine dining.” I do not care to spend $50 in a restaurant for a meal that I can prepare at home for $5.
Well, Ann, in one year, I have received a dozen phone replies and have met four women. Nothing clicked. I am now considering a girl who came from northern Spain. She is half my age, pretty, educated and fun to be with. I have warned her that she may spend half of her life alone but she would have a nice home, half a million dollars in stocks and bonds and Social Security till the end of her life. She thinks it’s a good deal.
Too bad American women don’t see it that way. I advise American men to look overseas.
Bill in L.A.
Dear Bill: Your use of the word “deal” suggests that the senorita is just as commercial as the American women you view as gold diggers. I find that interesting.
According to your figures, the senorita is under 30 years of age. Are you prepared for the patter of little feet? In fact, there may be several pairs of little feet. I suggest that you consider all possibilities before you make this move.
Dear Ann Landers: My mother is addicted to soap operas. For the past six years, she has lived in a fantasy world. Mom’s not the type of person you can go up to and say, “Get some help,” so I’m hoping she will see herself in your column and wake up to the fact that her behavior isn’t normal.
For the past six years, Mom has spent days and nights watching soap operas. She gets up at 7 a.m. to take my little sister to school, and then she sleeps until noon. When she gets up, she sets the living room VCR to tape the soaps and then retreats to her bedroom to watch the ones she taped earlier. She takes a break to pick up my sister and take her to dance class and then starts watching again. Sometimes Mom is up until 2 a.m. She often watches the same show over and over.
Our house is a mess. Mom rarely cooks or visits the rest of the family. Recently, Dad confronted her about hogging the VCR, so she went out and bought another one.
I’m not suggesting that Mom give up soaps altogether, but shouldn’t she be watching the current shows like a normal person? She would then be done before 3 p.m. every day and maybe spend some time with my little sister, who could use a little more maternal attention. Please print this so Mom will shape up.
Concerned in Texas
Dear Concerned: Of course your mother’s behavior isn’t normal, but seeing your letter in the column will not solve the problem.
This woman is clinically depressed and running away from reality. Her escape is the soaps. When she is watching them, she doesn’t have to face her own problems.
Your mother should see a mental health professional at once.
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Lonesome? Take charge of your life and turn it around. Write for Ann Landers’ booklet, “How to Make Friends and Stop Being Lonely.” Send a self-addressed, long, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $4.15 (this includes postage and handling) to: Friends, c/o Ann Landers, P.O. Box 11562, Chicago, Ill. 60611-0562. (In Canada, send $5.05.)
