I'm going to the library tomorrow. I not only need to borrow new books, but I want to see Anna, the librarian. Are you all ready to play "Dear Abby"?
Anna's husband died last April of lung cancer. She was devastated. Claude was a great guy--I'm sure a good husband and father. I went to the funeral.
Over the following months, I would see Anna every two weeks or so, have small talk, ask her how she's doing, etc. She's been very pleasant and seems willing to talk about life without Claude, her ups and downs.
Anna is about 5 years younger than I am, attractive, a Democrat, and, from what I can decipher, has similar interests (books, music...).
The more I see her, the more nervous I become. I'm suddenly "not myself". Plus, I try to "read" her. Does she like me? Is she flirting? Is she acting--like acting happy to see me?
I think I would like to ask her to dinner--either my place or a restaurant. I'd like to get to know her better. Is it too soon to venture forth? Do I really want to "date" her? Do I have the guts? Am I afraid of rejection and humiliation (been there, done that).
I'm not at all interested in sex. Susil wrote about that subject recently--men dating only for a hop in the sack. That's the last thing I'm thinking about. I always was "slow" and deliberate. I just think we would have a good time. Besides, I ask myself, is she lonely? Is she ready to go on with her life? The only way to find out is to be bold and simply ask her. But, I hesitate.
What are your opinions? How would you approach this?