You know, I believe I've admirably demonstrated, both in this thread, and practically every other.. that I am far from being flawless, or faultless. But, I would be totally remiss if I didn't offer some.. retrospective 'perspective'.. on dating, relationships, with (or without) IBD. Perhaps all those years working as a bouncer.. never facing anyone I couldn't/didn't handle.. gave me a false sense of bravado. And my Crohns didn't change me in that regard. It did humble me at first, but maybe finding LDN and turning the life I was .. living isn't the right word.. let's say 'losing'.. around, brought the "worst/best" of the old me back.. never quit, fight to win.. get knocked down, pick yourself back up.. nothing can stop you if you don't let it. Or, maybe I'm just too dense to clue in, ever. My point? Looking/hoping to find that certain someone is natural.. jumping into dating, or even worse.. online dating.. is a natural response.. but a pretty dim-witted and even dangerous one. A lady, in her late 70's, reached a plea bargain in the attempted murder of her brand new husband. I'm talking about the infamous internet Black Widow. I don't think people of any age.. tho perhaps folks my age are less web savvy.. really consider the possible risk. When I look back, and assess all the liars, players, con artists, fakes and frauds I met online.. I shudder. Mind you, I'm not painting everyone with the same brush.. but the very nature of these sites invites the absolute worse sort to hang out. You see.. the moment you go there.. post yourself.. you are announcing to the world a vulnerability.. a leverage point.. a chink in the armour. So, if you are a Crohnie thinking of getting into dating, particularly online dating.. take every precaution you can think of.
As for me.. I've discovered a wonderful truth. A couple of old flames can still generate a lot of heat. Not to worry... I bought a nice air conditioner for the master bedroom.
