The Mindsets of Confident Women in Relationships Help Dating — Be Your Own Brand of Sexy

Barbara stared at her reflection in the mirror, scrutinizing every line and wrinkle. At 53, she felt like a relic in the dating world. It had been two years since her divorce, and her friends had finally convinced her to attend a neighborhood party.

“You can do this,” she whispered to herself, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her lack of conviction.

As she entered the bustling party, conversations seemed to hush. Or was that just her imagination? Barbara made her way to a corner, clutching her wine glass like a lifeline. She watched as couples laughed and flirted, feeling like an outsider looking in.

A man approached — tall, with salt-and-pepper hair and kind eyes. “Hi, I’m Robert,” he said, extending his hand.

Barbara’s heart raced. “I’m Barbara,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

“So, what do you do, Barbara?” Robert asked, smiling warmly.

Barbara’s mind went blank. Her job as an accountant suddenly seemed dull and unimpressive. “Oh, I… I just crunch numbers,” she said, looking down at her shoes.

Robert nodded politely, but Barbara could sense his interest waning. She scrambled for something witty or charming to say, but…