DEAR ANNIE: I’ve been seeing a gentleman for the past three months. We’re both 72 and met on a dating app. We get along, and he treats me very well. We spend nearly every day together, and he’s been staying over most nights, too.
Recently, a cousin he’s very close to came to visit for a week. He told me he would see me after she left and went to pick her up from the airport. I was upset about this. He didn’t see a problem, explaining that she was there for him when his wife died and he felt obligated to entertain her while she was here.
Do I have a right to be upset about being left out of the blue? Please advise. Thank you. — Early Dating Dis
DEAR EARLY DATING DIS: Is it fair to feel disappointed by a sudden change in routine? Sure. But being upset that this man chose to spend time with a close family member, especially one who supported him through his wife’s death, is a stretch. A more natural reaction might be wishing you’d been included or introduced, rather than feeling pushed aside.
Three months is still early days. You’re both still learning how the other handles priorities, and in this case you’ve learned that family loyalty matters to him. For now, the best thing to do is take note, not offense. If you want to say anything, keep it simple. Tell him you missed seeing him and would’ve enjoyed meeting his cousin.
If this becomes a pattern, that’s a different conversation — and then you’d have every right to be upset.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
date: 2026-02-13 22:31:00
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