Dear Harlan,

I could strangle whoever coined the phrase "friends with benefits." I'm in my 50s and I'm a reasonably good-looking woman. I'm content with my life and financially comfortable. Most men my age don't want relationships or commitments. They don't want to take you out on a date, either. They've been there, done that. They want to come over, drink beer, watch a movie and try to have sex. I have too much self-respect for this. One example: I gave my number to a guy down the street. We met while walking our dogs. He calls around 10 p.m. or midnight. I don't answer. When he calls at a decent hour, he always says we'll go see a movie or go out to dinner. Well, it never happens. Why would he? He has a married friend with benefits who comes to see him! I'd rather go to dinner on my own or with a girlfriend.

No Friend, No Benefit

 

Dear No Friend,

You could be 15, not 50. All boys want sex? This dog-walking guy might be a dog, but he's not a representation of all of us. Shockingly, some of us want more than sex. One thing about your letter that jumped out is that it's handwritten. I'm wondering if you're online? The only reason I ask is because there literally are millions of men online who want to date, have dinner, see movies, travel and then try to have sex with you (only after getting to know you better). For some reason, you're meeting the wrong ones. Go online and find more men to date.