As I’ve entered my forties, I’ve noticed that the men I have dated have not wanted to rescue me so much, but rather, fix me.

I didn’t realize I was broken.  But apparently, I am.

WARNING: Imperfect Woman Ahead. Proceed with Caution.

Broken, damaged, weak, fragile…forty.  It’s a wonder I can get men to date me at all.

Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate constructive criticism – (to a point) – and I do believe that when you are in a relationship, it’s good to encourage your significant other to be the best version of themselves that they can.  BUT, there is an enormous difference between inspiring someone, and badgering someone.

And boy, lately, I have been badgered.

As an unmarried woman in her forties, I am automatically labeled as Damaged Goods.  I am brainwashed, (along with the rest of the world), to believe that there is something truly wrong with me, and I should be grateful to any man who gives me the time of day.

Because again…and I can’t stress this enough…I’m over forty.

This is a huge role reversal from what we were taught in the classic fairy tales.  In those stories, it was always the man that was considered the “beast”.  And it took the admiration and kiss from a perfect (young) princess to transform him into the perfect prince.

What a bunch of hooey.

Relationships aren’t about being perfect!  They are about acceptance and tolerance and…flawed individuals.  After all…

Nobody’s perfect, people!

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