Well, perhaps not. I haven't had to look for a new partner in over seven years. I get plenty of male attention online, and among my peer group, whenever I get out of Tennessee long enough to find them. In my mind, I've got what it takes to attract almost anyone if I want to. But in my mind, I'm perpetually 28 years old. I can't help it. That's as old as I feel.

Still, I'm not sure anyone else sees me that way. If I were to test my theory, would I smack into my own delusions? After all, my peer group are aging pretty visibly. I see no wrinkles or grey hairs when I look in the mirror, but then, Miss Clairol and I are like this these days, and I know from experience that I only see what I want to see. I have photographs that didn't work at all to prove it (dang, why didn't I see that telephone wire in the background?).

If I did have to go out looking for a date, I wouldn't have a problem asking someone to go out with me. That's changed since I was 28. None of this agonizing over whether someone likes me or not anymore; I'll be clear about how I feel, and they can make a decision. I remember romance as being this murky business when I was first dating in college. Ugh. It's not that there wouldn't be a fair amount of murkiness now, but at least it wouldn't involve sitting around hoping Mr. Right magically discerns how much I want him to call. I think the biggest problem I ever had with romance was expecting my partners to be psychic.

So maybe it wouldn't be such an ego-crippling experience if I did have to date again. Sure, I'd have to accept that some younger men wouldn't be interested in me. A lot would, I think. And I'd definitely be much bolder in bed than I once was, which could be good or bad (but at least it'd be fun). I might not be 28 any more, but in the years between 28 and 38 I learned a lot about men, women, and myself. I think, in fact, I'm a pretty hot commodity still, but for different reasons now.

This calls for a trip to Victoria's Secret. See ya.