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Discussing a Child Who Died

By Tom Blake Updated: May 22, 2009
Tom Blake
Two years ago I lost my 21-year-old son, the joy of my life, my only child. I don't want to deny the fact that I have a child, yet I don't want to tell anyone that I lost my son, then have to answer many personal questions from someone I have met through Personals and is still a stranger to me. Yet, when a man asks me about my child, if I say yes I have one child, then later when I tell them my son has passed away they think I am untruthful. How should I handle this? -- Karin V., 50, Park Ridge, Illinois
 
Karin,
“that's an understandably difficult issue”
that's an understandably difficult issue. My feeling is that since you don't want to discuss the loss of your son with a stranger, when someone asks if you have children, just say no. Later, if you are comfortable with the gentleman and want him to know, then you can tell him. If he's sensitive and cares about you, he'll understand how personal and important that information is to you and how deeply your hurt runs. The information you later reveal should make him respect and appreciate you even more.
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Tom Blake has written more than 600 newspaper columns on middle age dating and relationships. His "Single Again" column is featured in the Orange County (Calif.) Register. Tom is the author of two books: "Finding Love After 50: How to Begin. Where to Go. What to Do" and "Middle Aged and Dating Again." He has made multiple appearances as a keynote speaker at national AARP conventions and as a dating after 50 expert on the NBC show, Today. Tom offers a free weekly "Finding Love After 50" e-letter at findingloveafter50.com.
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