Dear Annie: I want my relationship to be more than just sex

Dear Annie: I’ve been seeing a man (71) who is eight years older than me (63). His wife passed away almost two years ago. Our relationship has only been sexual despite me continually saying I want more. Each time we meet at his house for our sexual encounters, he will ghost me from a week to a month afterward. He never takes me out, and he will not tell his family he has a female friend.

I really care for this man and want more than sex. He tells me he feels like he is cheating on his late wife. I’m not sure what I should do. Do I let him go, or do I keep trying to get through to him? — Tired of Being Casual

Dear Tired: After several pleas for commitment, you’ve gotten the same answer time and again. This man either cannot be a romantic partner to you or simply doesn’t want to be. Either way, you’re the one making all the sacrifices with very little payoff. Let him continue grieving his wife’s death and pursue the type of relationship he can handle, and you do the same — with someone whose level of interest and dedication aligns with yours.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].