Being in Love: The Love Boat

by Betty
(New York)

Reader Post: Who would have thought that being in love could be so delicious in mid-life?

I was 52, a wife of 30 years and on a transatlantic cruise with my friend Hazel. I had no idea that this 'keep me company' trip would completely change my life and that before long being in love would be all I'd think about...

I stumbled on deck on the first night and was caught by one of the musicians, Tom, who offered me a drink - which lasted until daybreak. We just 'clicked.' By dawn I was smitten - he was 41 but I knew I had fallen in love - it was like a bolt of lightning - I was reborn, a new woman. That stumble led to the biggest 'fall' of my life.

I saw Tom again on the return trip and by the time we reached New York we were talking about being in love, and also both certain that we were destined to be together. Back home I told my husband (not easy) and then moved in with Tom. I acted like a teenager, irrational, out of character - shocking my friends and family.

Still, I knew after that first touch - something powerful had happened. I felt so comfortable, so right, so alive - everything just gelled. Twelve years on, I'm 64, we're still in love and I still get a charge when I see him. And now we have my husband's blessing! Long live Being in Love!