A regular advice column published monthly in Singles Network, a publication for singles of all ages in the metro Denver, Colorado area.

Dear Linda,

I have a problem, I want to ask this guy out that I have dated before. I don't know how. I know he is interested because I catch him looking a lot. But I can't get the courage up to ask him, and I know he is very shy so I don't see him asking me any time soon. This feels so childish, is it? I am 29 and I feel like I am 18 again.

Melinda

Dear Melinda,

There is nothing childish about being nervous around someone you're attracted to. Ask him if he'd like to go out for coffee or a drink. If he says yes, give him a choice of two dates. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Dear Linda,

I took one of your classes a year ago, and you helped me through a painful divorce. My biggest concern was my daughter and you shared a poem you wrote. You called it "Recipe To Raise Me" - I lost it and wondered if you could put it in your column.

Michelle

Dear Michelle,

Thanks for asking - here it is:

Tell me you love me every day
Tell me you respect me 5 times a day
Show me you love me with every smile
Show me you love me by expecting nothing in return
Teach me the difference between love of things and love of life
Teach me that strong faith will direct me to love, peace and happiness.

Dear Linda,

I am a woman having an affair with a man 25 years older than I am. He's 55 years old and I am 29 years old. It's hard to understand him and his intentions, he tells me he's crazy about me in so many words. Yet when I once approached him saying that I hadn't been able to get hold of him the day before and that it appeared that he was avoiding me he stated, "Oh no, honey, not at all, of course not." He said he had just been busy working on a very important project and that this was the busiest time of year for him. I asked if maybe I should not call anymore since I had not heard from as I've been used to and he stated, "Definitely not" and he asked why was I feeling this way. I began to explain by saying well I'm not really sure and he said to open up and talk to him, and then asked what would make things right. I told him that I wanted to see him and he told me that we would have dinner that night in a nice and quiet atmosphere and he said he would call me but he didn't. I decided to call him and ask what would be a good time and he said, "When I call you -- I'll see you later." He didn't call back. I wanted to call and find out what happened.

What should I do now? Should I confront or handle him? This is my first relationship with an older man and I'm not sure if I just don't understand him and if maybe he's set in his own ways. I want to know if he really likes me or what.

Mira

Dear Mira,

Actions speak louder than words. If he really likes you and behaves this way, why would you want him in your life? Start working on yourself and LET GO OF HIM!