Dating Today

Dear Goldy,

I’m in my upper 30s and have been dating for a long time. Your articles have actually helped me through some situations I’ve gotten into.

Dear Goldy,

I’m in my thirties and have been a guest at many friends’ weddings. Like you wrote, as friends got married, some moved on to married life and a few stayed in touch. But as time went on, I went on and made new friends who were single. It is what it is. I have three good friends: one is married and we’ve been best friends since high school, and the other two women I met in the last few years through mutual friends and at dating events. I’m friendly with a lot of people. I stay in touch with many girls from my past; it’s easy when you can copy and resend a text or post. But I can count on one hand the people I’d call if I were in trouble and needed help.

I know the title for this article may seem odd, but it really is a perfect fit. Many years ago when I was working, I had an 18-year-old very cute and spunky support staff member—aka receptionist. She was right out of high school and starting to date. She was full of excitement and hope. When there was a lull in the work, we did what happens in all offices: my staff and I started talking. And what else is there to speak about when there are four single young women working in a frum office? You speak about dating.

Dear Goldy,

I don’t want to come off sounding conceited or snobby, but I will no matter how I word my letter. B”H I come from a well-off family. Yes, I have a PhD.

A few years ago, I wrote an article about trying to help a divorced Kohen with four children. Long story short: I met him while eating a Shabbos meal at my husband’s friend’s home. My husband’s friend kept insisting that I try to help “Steve.” Steve is a nice guy, gives every “girl” a chance, wants to get married again, is a great guy...

Dear Goldy,

I’m a big fan of yours. I love reading your articles, and sometimes we discuss them around the Shabbos table. My family laughs or they are shocked at what people write in about their dating lives. I (and others) like how you answer the questions as a friend would answer a friend. You say it straight. You’re never harsh, but you are blunt—and I think that’s what makes you different from others who are preaching and teaching about the shidduch parshah, what’s happening in and to this generation, and why “there are so many more older singles now than there were decades ago.” When speaking about shidduchim, I like real advice and real experiences—not “It says in Mesechta Tet Vav...” or “When Avraham was trying to marry off Yitzchok...”