After a thirty year marriage ended in divorce three years ago, Christine Shiber was happy to be single and looking forward to meeting someone new. But it has not been easy:

She has tried social networking, going to dance clubs, reconnecting with friends at her class reunion (all married), waiting for something magic to happen and online dating. “When you’re 18, you just jump in,” she said. “Now, I worry. What do I need to know about him and what do I need to share about myself — with a whole lifetime to pick from?

“You’re looking for chemistry, but smart enough to know instant chemistry might not be the right chemistry. You might not feel real chemistry until you really know the person.

“How much time and energy should I put into this process?”

She understands why several of her female friends have given up.

Shiber has not given up but the statistics show how tough it is for women over 50.