Why are men not interested in me?

Dear Pastor,

I am writing because I am at my wit's end. I have sought advice from others with no solution, so I am now turning to you. I am a 32-year-old woman who has never been in a romantic relationship, well not a serious one anyway. I dated a young man when I was 16 years old for about two years. We eventually broke up because he cheated. He claimed he did so because I was immature. Since then, I have not been in a relationship. I have not even been close to being in one. I am an educated, attractive and wholesome individual. I am active in church and have been able to provide a comfortable life for myself. My father played an active role in my life and so I was never desperate for male attention. I am by no means looking for Prince Charming or Mr Perfect. I am looking for a simple, genuine person like myself. My friends are also baffled at the fact that I have been single for so long and have tried setting me up on blind dates, but for one reason or the other, they never actually ended up happening. With all that said, I don't understand why I have never been approached by a man wanting a serious relationship. Please advise me as to what I can do to fulfill my hope of finding love. Looking forward to your words of counsel.

M.N

Dear M.N.,

You have to start behaving as if you are looking for a husband. You should not be ashamed to invite guys to go out with you to plays and whatever place of entertainment you love. Nothing is wrong in a girl saying to a guy, "I would love to go to so and so place, but I don't want to go alone. Will you come with me? I have two tickets". I know you are trying to say that although you are available, you have not met any man that you believe you would be comfortable going out with.

Your friends are aware that you would love to have a man in your life and they have tried to help you by setting you up on blind dates. They love you and so would introduce respectable gentlemen to you. Am I to get the impression that you have not gone on any of these dates? Blind dates can be very exciting. One has to take time to know the person and not say a whole lot about themselves. Where one chooses to go is also very important. It should always be to places where many people are, like an upscale restaurant or a park. You can also let your pastor know that you are interested in meeting a male friend. You should attend conventions and retreats, etc., where young people with your educational background would be in attendance. And the Bible says if a person wants to have friends, he or she must make himself or herself friendly. If you are not friendly, it is going to be very difficult for you to find a partner. Make sure you are always well-dressed. You don't have to buy name brand clothes, but your clothes should not be hanging on you as if you are a lady in her '70s and '80s.

Pastor