Dating Today

Dear Goldy,

Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t believe someone should introduce the person they’re dating to family and friends until it’s established the relationship is going somewhere—or even wait until after the engagement. Why bother meeting and getting to know people if the relationship fizzles quickly? That’s what makes meeting the other person’s circle of friends and family all the more special, because then you know you will all be a part of each other’s lives for years to come.

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,

Tell me if I’m worried for nothing or if I should say something—and if I should say something, then to whom? My son is engaged to a beautiful, wonderful girl. This issue came to be a month ago. I let it go, but now, I’m starting to wonder. I don’t want to sound like a typical shvigar or to put my nose into something I have no business doing. I decided to write you.

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.

This may be an odd title for this article because Groundhog Day passed a month ago and I’m not discussing the movie of the same name, so why did I pick the title? According to my friend Google, who seems to know everything, she said that referring to something as a Groundhog Day means a situation feels like it’s repeating endlessly, stuck in a loop of the same monotonous, frustrating, or boring events, referencing the movie where the character relives the same day repeatedly. What am I repeating? What are the monotonous events I’ve been living through? It’s not that; it’s the fact that for the past few weeks I have received many letters that have discussed the same issue.

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...