What are your passions?
My divorced friend goes through internet hookups like they are kleenex. I suggested that he volunteer at the local animal shelter, since he is a dog-lover. Not only would he be likely to meet other singles, but he is more likely to have the same values as those people.
It's all about marketing to your target audience. Do you want to be a mass-mailing or a targeted ad to a specific focused group? If you view things in that perspective, then you have a good idea of how and where to start.
As far as the car thing is concerned, as long as it looks nice on the outside (no primer or Bondo going on) and is clean on the inside, that is all that really matters.
So, if I'm off hunting women that means considerable expense for a sharper car.
Again, stop hunting! I agree that men bear the burden of courtship WRT to the asking, risking, etc. But I also feel that when you stop doing a behavior out of desperation, the outcome is usually what you were trying to achieve in the first place.
I realize that you are in an age bracket that makes dating difficult, but I also know that there are the Red Hat Ladies who are in the age bracket you seek. Their primary goal is to have fun. Maybe if you checked out those types of groups, you would have better luck in the dating dept. I know a ton of widows who would die to have a companion. They want to go out to eat like they used to. They want to go dancing.
My mom laments that she wishes she had a gay friend who would take her out dancing and help her decorate her house. I know she's not entirely joking.
I also know she would love to have a more physical relationship with a man, but she won't admit it because she is still grieving my father's death (she feels that if she admitted something like that, then she is not being true to my father's memory. To which I say, "FSck that! He's dead, you're not. Life is for the living!")
So I guess to sum it all up, you can't hide your light under a bushel basket. Add dimension to your life so that you are always coming in contact with people everyday. The more contact with the outside world, the more likely you are to meet someone special. It can't happen all at once, baby steps...baby steps.
Peace, Big hugs and wishing you the best,
Amy
