Whatever Floats Your Boat and Tickles Your Fancy Mister!!

The first gay card I received back in 1989 from Nu

So what's it like being 58, gay and single?

The question was posed by an interested heterosexual male in his 40s
and it was a question of depth by someone with a brain

Like general life, being gay, single and in my sixth decade has its challenges for sure, but typical of us gays sex is the least of our problems as thanks to the internet and apps galore it is more than easy to find a suitable bed fellow if you so need one.

Men in general and gay men in particular seem to have varying rules when it comes down to sex.
Many ( and more than I expected to be honest) aspire to The Cake And Eat It Brigade
These are generally successful men who have a partner on their arm, some trendy furniture and a get out clause which says ( and sometimes often unsaid) that you can shag around if the mood takes you.  Often there is a caveat here....which literally says don't shit on your own doorstep, but the rules are there ....do it but Don't talk about it !!!!
I am not sure I respect the Cake and eat it Brigade as much as I do the let's all get on shag fest going Brigade. At least if you share a third person or fourth  or whatever your need is , it all open and above board with everyone knowing what the job in hand is.
I don't think my esteem could cope with The Shag Fest Brigade
I was always chosen last for games at school and in most theeesomes , one person is always on the periphery so to speak.

Then you have the App Queens, Now these vary considerably and have too many categories to list here with any detail but suffice to say every guy from 99% straight to 100% gay will be there. Some showing their face, some just teasing with a body shot at the gym that hides their identity from boyfriends, girlfriends, work, or whoever!
The anonymous ones who say they are 45 when they are well over 50 lie far too easily
In many cases a lot of these guys lie too easily.
The app encourages it.
Save for the desperate
But they are another story not for today

I'm not a prude, nor am I judging too much as the rule is that it's each to their own in the ways of the heart.
I even considered an open marriage for a while before common sense took over and I realised just wanting it is the death knell of that lovely warm feeling monogamy always gave me.

And so , I am concentrating on friends at the moment and my gay friend quota is up a few 100% s this last year alone which is not bad given lockdown.
Having said this one friend Colin has become  a real tonic through the lockdown isolation as he lives in England and our conversations over video and messenger during the long nights that singletons often experience have eased the isolation a great deal.r
Psychotherapist Jon who I met in Sitges last year remains a dear friend as does mave the rave and recently a blind "date" arranged by a work colleague with Fernando the Ecuadorean hotel manager proved to be a hilarious lesson  in social distancing and cultural differences.
I feel as though I've met an  amigo!!!


So, to sum up, what is it like to be single, gay and 58? I'll say
It's complicated, for sure. At times it's  lonely that's another given. Other times it is what it is!..you just have to get on with it.
Single and over 50 gets you judged, probably more than just being gay does nowadays.
''Tis the way of the world
But over all I think I have a clear sense of self amid the bullshit that goes along with the gay world, a world that is rather less forgiving of its seniors than most I may add

60 comments:

  1. You are not alone....there are many women who have hit 50 and been dumped or have woken up to the fact that if they stay life will not change and they deserve better.
    Hopefully you will find someone who values you, but for now peace and self care is a good thing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks mags!! That was uplifting

      Delete
    2. I was searching for loan to sort out my bills& debts, then i saw comments about Blank ATM Credit Card that can be hacked to withdraw money from any ATM machines around you . I doubted thus but decided to give it a try by contacting { cyberhackingcompany@gmail.com} they responded with their guidelines on how the card works. I was assured that the card can withdraw $5,000 instant per day & was credited with$50,000,000.00 so i requested for one & paid the delivery fee to obtain the card, after 24 hours later, i was shock to see the UPS agent in my resident with a parcel{card} i signed and went back inside and confirmed the card work's after the agent left. This is no doubts because i have the card & has made used of the card. This hackers are USA based hackers set out to help people with financial freedom!! Contact these email if you wants to get rich with this Via: cyberhackingcompany@gmail.com ..    

      Delete
  2. Very nicely and forthrightly said. To be your friend is indeed an honor.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Replies
    1. That's your answer to everything

      Delete
    2. I learned a long time ago that it's a panacea x

      Delete
  4. Your final comment is rather sad, isn't it, that the gay community is less forgiving of its seniors than most. I wonder why it's that way.

    Self-knowledge - yes, you have it in spades, I'd say.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It doesn't pay to get old; I should know!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Barbara Anne3:29 am

    Well said.

    Meanwhile, be good to you, take care, stay safe and enjoy all life brings your way.

    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I remember thinking, “Who in the world would want to date a 52 year old with a dog, two cats and 4 kids”. Turns out someone did.

    I can’t wait to hear you say that you found a guy and you are working it out.

    ReplyDelete
  8. the str8 world is pretty much the same, dear john. smooches to a good friend across the pond!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes you are probably right in many ways

      Delete
  9. Anonymous6:24 am

    The younger generation blames the baby boomers for destroying the economy, for supporting the racist police state which murders black people, and for pretty much destroying America. The level of hatred that the youth feels towards boomers is undescribable. My question is, do you boomers think you're going to have a peaceful retirement? How do you think the younger generation will treat you? Already we see it happening, a couple weeks ago there was that video of a black guy punching a 75 year old white baby boomer man in the face in a retirement home. This is what happens when you live a greedy selfish life without thinking of the future. One day, the CONSEQUENCES of your actions come back to hit you a 100 fold. You boomers destroyed America and the youth is angry enough to riot and burn down the cities. The GREED of the baby boomers caused this. Anyway good luck, you baby boomers are gonna need it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear John and Friends, per "anonymous" young people hate us. Can't really blame 'em too much, considering... Young people have learned from childhood that mom, dad, gram, and gramps simply don't want to be bothered - the "grownups" are too busy sleezing around...eck! Kids on their own, (the skanky media steps in) and so the kids act accordingly.

      Delete
  10. Sending you huge hugs John! Being a 54 year single woman isn't much fun either. Dating apps are both hilarious and sad. Family and friends treat you with such sympathy it's unbearable so I just don't tell people. I'm not usually lonely but lockdown has reinforced how much I'm on my own. However, there's not much I can do about it so it's a case of chin up tits out and get on with it xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Old age is certainly not for cissies, no matter what your orientation.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Being a 65 year old widow after a long a happy marriage is equally lonely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True..and accepted but the subject in hand is gay lifestyles

      Delete
    2. Yes Sue it's lonely. Almost 55 yrs and now a widow of six weeks.
      John I like the way you are coping and look forward to your blog.

      Delete
    3. "than most" in your final sentence opened the door to those other than gays to join in and counterbalance it John. If you had missed out those words it would have been slightly different and more about gays only. x

      Delete
    4. I disagree
      A heterosexual man or woman will have no idea how it feels to be gay. In the same vein a white man has not a clue what people of colour experience every day
      Only a few decades ago it was illegal to be gay
      My talk about sexuality will alway resonate with people of similar backgrounds and experiences but it is unique to me as a gay man and get men in general

      Delete
    5. I was just saying the wording probably innocently made us come in. At least it did me Not wishing to take anything away from gays at all. I thought we were all joining in. Older women alone find that men of their age are often looking for women in a younger age group.

      Delete
  13. 68 year women don't find the straight world out there that kind to them either.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wishing you happiness and a partner who truly loves and values you xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. If a relationship hasn't worked then I think the pain and the guardedness we carry is the same regardless of gay or straight and finding a new partner is more complicated anyway the older we all get.

    ReplyDelete
  16. And being 65, married and heterosexual is also "complicated", and not necessarily for any of those three states, because life is complicated, just in different ways for different people. Good luck with navigating your complications.

    ReplyDelete
  17. That vegetable packet reminds me of 'Fanny' brand sardines. That's all I am prepared to say at this time in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am such a dinosaur, I have never looked at a dating app, heard about them, but never seen one. Someone will be lucky to find you as a loyal and loving companion.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Self knowledge is important, and self acceptance too.
    I remember being single again at 57...it wasn't the easiest time, and much of that was society's attitude.
    To stand up as yourself and to accept to yourself who you are and what you want and need, can be hard.
    Sending a big virtual hug...keep on just being you! xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. My ex ran off when I was 51 (divorced at 53). But whoever said older people don't stand a chance have got it wrong (in my humble opinion). I'm now 61 but when my ex left I started smiling again, I got the old me back and have been asked out by quite a few nice guys (including 15 years younger). I was far lonelier in my heterosexual marriage than I've ever been since.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen to your statement -- I can and do identify with every word! I have been much happier and doing so much better all around since being on my own since 1990!!! I learned a long time ago how to be alone without being lonely!!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous3:35 pm

      And isn't it flattering to be admired by a younger man! I'm 56, almost twice divorced and I was also more lonely while married. And the sex has been SO much better since being single!

      Delete
  21. We used to have an upright piano in our sitting room when I was a boy. My dad told me that the black keys were made of monogamy.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Just big breaths. and keep on moving forward in life. That is all we can ever do

    ReplyDelete
  23. Being almost 72, gay and in an almost 47 year relationship, I feel I do not have the experience of what it must be like to be of a certain age, single and gay.
    But I do know that it is absolutely necessary to trust your instincts, John, at which you appear to be good.
    Being gay is really not that much different from being straight in this world that pushes one to want a partner and to be loved.
    It is far too easy and dangerous to fall into the 'looking for Mr.Goodbar' scene in both worlds.
    Finding oneself and learning to love oneself first can help us all through this mysterious thing called life.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Human society just IS complicated. I am grateful every moment for my husband of many years and am quite sure that if something happened to him, I would just be alone.
    Period. The end. Of course I'm older than you.
    And being gay surely complicates things even more. At least these days you can be quite out and quite honest although not everyone is. I admire your knowing what it is you want and what it is you don't want. In fact, I admire quite a bit about you and I do feel quite sure that you will find someone who wants exactly what you want- that sweet sense of monogamy with all of the love and caring.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I may be wrong John but I have found that gay women seem to stay with their partners into their old age.I have met a few on my daily dog walks over the years x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think this is because women tend not to be so focused on spreading their seed far and wide. I believe there's a lot to be said for the familiarity of love and a flick of the bean.

      Perhaps Flis you should try it x

      Delete
    2. I do talk to gay women but I don't much fancy bean fondling.To tell the truth Mavis I always preferred a black pudding myself (40 odd years a vegetarian by the way)x

      Delete
  26. Carole1:26 pm

    Being lonely isn't confined to being gay, single and older. I've been married for many years and I'm desperately lonely. Before anyone tells me to leave the relationship I'll tell you that I'm now a full time carer for my husband and that's something I can't walk away from. I think that gays are better at dealing with being lonely, you have lots of apps and ways of being in contact with other gays. Once you're in your 70's an older married woman with home commitments has none of these things. I hope that you will soon find a love of your own without the need for casual aquaintances.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was about to write that I would just like a hug but I think you need it more than me - please have a virtual one on me.

      Delete
  27. 'But over all I think I have a clear sense of self amid the bullshit that goes along with the gay world, '

    ... you really do John and that is what saves you from the brink of desolate loneliness time and time again. The longer you have been 'alone' the more your self confidence, circle of friends and self love has grown, and that can only be a good thing.

    Oh and you have dogs ... owe are always okay for love, total adoration, companionship and happiness with dogs :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'we' not 'owe' ... my fingers go faster than my brain at times ;-)

      Delete
  28. I had to delete twice what I really want to say about getting older and being a single gay person. I hear you John, I hear you.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Gay men don't have a monopoly on loneliness or rejection. Hopelessness.
    Many of us of all ages and sexual orientations feel the same way.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous4:13 pm

    Though I'm not gay, I can feel (and love) your heart, John. Perhaps if you will google "Love song to a stranger", by Joan Baez you'll understand why that song could have been written by me for several years. - Mary

    ReplyDelete
  31. I hear you, John. Right now I'd just like more LGBTQ folks to hang around with, not just gay men but lesbians and transgender folk (both MtF and FtM) as well. Sex would be nice, too, but with friendship there's usually a better chance of a morning after.

    Before my cell phone went belly up and I was deprived of the Internet all together, I spent the early part of the lockdown making a whole slew of new LGBTQ Facebook friends and LGBTQ LinkedIn connections. Maybe some day I'll get to meet these people in person. In fact, maybe someday I'll get to meet YOU in person!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Agree with Lizzy about loneliness John. I have gay friends - one of them I have known for fifty years and he is like my second son. He is now in a civil partnership and they have been so happy together for years - I look back to when he was young and I sm so happy for the pair of them. I so wannt you to find a soulmate (if you want to of course)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's lovely! Exactly right, I--we all--so wish for John to find a soulmate, someone who values him as a friend, companion, lover and all round wonderful guy. "soulmate"--oh yes.

      Delete
  33. Loneliness is universal
    And obviously covers all genders and sexuality
    But I think that being gay has its own historical caveats and pressures unknown and unfelt by heterosexual men and women

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm glad as you put it that your gay friend quota is up 100% since last year alone, friendship can often lead to romance, I say things are looking up John there is someone out there for you.

    ReplyDelete
  35. INSTEAD OF GETTING A LOAN,, I GOT SOMETHING NEW
    Get $5,500 USD every day, for six months!

    See how it works

    Do you know you can hack into any ATM machine with a hacked ATM card??
    Make up you mind before applying, straight deal...

    Order for a blank ATM card now and get millions within a week!: contact us
    via email address::{Universalcardshackers@gmail.com}

    We have specially programmed ATM cards that can be use to hack ATM
    machines, the ATM cards can be used to withdraw at the ATM or swipe, at
    stores and POS. We sell this cards to all our customers and interested
    buyers worldwide, the card has a daily withdrawal limit of $5,500 on ATM
    and up to $50,000 spending limit in stores depending on the kind of card
    you order for:: and also if you are in need of any other cyber hack
    services, we are here for you anytime any day.

    Here is our price lists for the ATM CARDS:

    Cards that withdraw $5,500 per day costs $200 USD
    Cards that withdraw $10,000 per day costs $850 USD
    Cards that withdraw $35,000 per day costs $2,200 USD
    Cards that withdraw $50,000 per day costs $5,500 USD
    Cards that withdraw $100,000 per day costs $8,500 USD

    make up your mind before applying, straight deal!!!

    The price include shipping fees and charges, order now: contact us via
    email address:::::: {Universalcardshackers@gmail.com}
    Whatsapp:::::+31687835881

    ReplyDelete
  36. I feel it's only a matter of time before you find your significant other John x

    ReplyDelete
  37. I think you're right that there are differences in the gay male and straight male communities when it comes to aging. I TEND to subscribe to the theory that "getting old is better than the other option," but sometimes I have my doubts. Then again, whatever shit has come my way in my beyond-50 (OK, a LOT beyond 50) years, there have still been some wonderful experiences and people. So I guess I'll just continue to hope for older age and continue to hope for the best. I hope if you want romantic love that it comes your way. Meanwhile, you make a difference in so many lives (professionally and personally) and you still do have your good times and exceptional experiences. I don't really know what precisely my point is, but what the hell, we're here.

    ReplyDelete

I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes